One person has died and four others sustained injuries in a severe collision involving two articulated trucks on the Cape Coast–Kumasi Highway near Assin Nsuta in the Central Region. The incident occurred late Thursday night, May 21, causing significant traffic disruption.
Road Conditions Cited as Primary Cause
Preliminary investigations by the Central North Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) point to a deep pothole on the highway as the immediate cause of the accident. A Shackman articulated truck, traveling from Takoradi towards Kumasi and laden with klinker, reportedly struck this pothole.
The impact of hitting the pothole caused the driver to lose control of the Shackman truck. The vehicle veered into the opposite lane, directly colliding with an oncoming Howo flatbed articulated truck.
Devastating Impact and Rescue Efforts
The collision resulted in extensive damage to both heavy-duty vehicles. The Howo truck was forced off the road, ending up in a nearby bush, while the Shackman truck was left heavily mangled at the scene.
Emergency services, including personnel from the Central North Regional MTTD and the Regional Operations Unit, were dispatched to the location. They worked to free victims who were trapped within the wreckage.
Victims Identified and Treated
A passenger in the Shackman truck, identified as 36-year-old Vincent Anamman Ofosu, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. His wife, Bridget Dadzie, 25, who was traveling with him, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Foso.
The driver of the Shackman truck, Gariba Daniel, 33, also suffered severe injuries and is admitted to the same hospital. The body of Mr. Ofosu has been moved to the hospital morgue pending an autopsy.
The driver of the Howo truck, Yaya Latif, 38, and his driver’s mate, Issah Mohammed, also sustained injuries. They are receiving medical attention at the Assin Anyinabrim Health Clinic.
Traffic Restored After Extensive Clearance
Police and emergency crews worked through the night to remove the damaged trucks and clear the debris. This allowed for the restoration of traffic flow on the vital Cape Coast–Kumasi Highway.
The Central North Regional MTTD has initiated a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, with a focus on the road conditions and the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Broader Implications for Road Safety
This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the maintenance of major road networks in the region. Potholes and poor road surfaces are frequently cited as contributing factors in road accidents, particularly those involving large commercial vehicles.
The weight and momentum of articulated trucks mean that road defects can have catastrophic consequences, as demonstrated in this collision. The incident underscores the critical need for regular road infrastructure inspection and timely repairs to prevent future tragedies.
Authorities are expected to review road maintenance schedules and enforcement of traffic regulations for heavy goods vehicles. The focus will be on ensuring that hazardous road conditions are identified and rectified promptly to enhance safety for all road users.
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