In a heart-wrenching tragedy that unfolded last Wednesday, at least 20 lives were tragically cut short when a Grandbird bus and a Toyota mini-bus collided head-on along the eastern corridor road between Peki-Adzokoe and Tsibu.
The ill-fated Grandbird bus, en route from Accra to Chinderi in the Oti Region, collided with the Toyota mini-bus, which was journeying from Hohoe to Accra, in a devastating impact. The force of the collision was so intense that it tore the Toyota mini-bus into two, while the Grandbird bus veered off the road, coming to rest on its side.
Fifteen passengers on board the mini-bus met a tragic end instantly, with five passengers on the Grandbird also perishing in the horrifying crash that occurred at approximately 11:40 a.m.
Rapid Response and Heroic Efforts
Quick-thinking responders from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), alongside dedicated staff from the Ghana Water Company Limited, initiated a rescue operation at the harrowing scene. A GNFS team member, requesting anonymity, disclosed that the Grandbird bus, bearing registration number AS 9801-21, swerved to avoid a pothole just before the collision with the mini-bus, registered as GT 1865-17.
To free a trapped conductor from the wreckage, the GNFS team employed extrication tools, carefully dismantling parts of the larger Grandbird bus.
Survivors and Heartbreaking Loss
Over 20 other injured passengers received immediate medical attention at the Peki Government Hospital, underscoring the severity of the accident. Among the survivors are eight men, 12 women, three boys, and two girls. Tragically, it was later confirmed that three children were among those who lost their lives.
At the time of reporting, the Daily Graphic had gathered that the deceased comprised 10 women, six men, and four children. Despite attempts to reach officials of the Peki Government Hospital for comment, details about their response remained unavailable.
This devastating collision serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for continued efforts to prevent such heartrending tragedies on our highways.
