Tragedy in Ekumfi: Two BECE Candidates Killed, One Critically Injured in Tipper Truck Crash

A tragic road accident at Ekumfi Obidan, near Mankessim in the Central Region, has claimed the lives of two final-year basic school students and left another critically injured.

The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a tipper truck reportedly carrying a heavy load of clay lost control and veered off the road, crashing into the students who were walking along the shoulder of the Timber Market road.

The three victims were reportedly returning home after attending voluntary remedial classes organised for final-year students preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The extra classes were arranged by teachers and community stakeholders following the ongoing teachers’ strike, as efforts were being made to ensure that candidates remained adequately prepared for their upcoming examinations.

Two Students Die After Collision

The deceased have been identified as 13-year-old Constant and 14-year-old Mary.

According to information gathered, one of the students died at the scene, while the other reportedly succumbed to injuries shortly after being transported to the Mankessim Mercy Women’s Catholic Hospital.

The third victim, identified as 14-year-old Sarah Mbrem, sustained serious injuries and remains in critical condition at the same facility, where she is receiving medical attention.

The incident has plunged families, classmates, teachers and residents of Ekumfi Obidan and surrounding communities into mourning.

Driver Arrested to Assist Police Investigations

Following the crash, the driver of the tipper truck was reportedly apprehended by bystanders and subsequently handed over to the Mankessim Police.

He is currently being held at the Mankessim Police Station and is assisting the police with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Authorities are expected to establish what caused the truck to lose control, including whether factors such as speed, road conditions, mechanical failure or other circumstances contributed to the crash.

Timber Market Road Raises Safety Concerns

The accident has also renewed concerns about the safety of the Mankessim-Timber Market road, particularly the increasing movement of heavy-duty vehicles along sections used by pedestrians and residents.

Mr Francis Aidoo, Chairman of the Timber Market Association, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and described the incident as a serious warning to all stakeholders responsible for road safety in the area.

He cautioned operators of heavy-duty vehicles to exercise greater care, particularly when using narrow roads close to residential communities and schools.

According to Mr Aidoo, the timber market road was not designed to accommodate the increasing volume of heavily loaded tipper trucks currently using the route.

He further expressed concern that the movement of such vehicles was contributing to the deterioration of the road while increasing risks to pedestrians and other road users.

He therefore called on the relevant authorities, including the local assembly, to consider restricting the movement of heavy, clay-loaded trucks along residential and school-proximate sections of the road.

Eyewitness Recalls Moments Before Crash

An eyewitness, Mr Alhasan Kalala, who was reportedly near the timber market when the incident occurred, said the truck appeared to be travelling at a speed he considered inappropriate for the narrow and busy stretch of road.

He said the students had little opportunity to get out of the path of the vehicle after it veered from its course.

Mr Kalala also highlighted the absence of adequate pedestrian walkways along parts of the road, describing the situation as a longstanding concern for residents, parents and school authorities.

Calls for Urgent Safety Measures

The accident has triggered renewed calls for immediate measures to improve safety along the road.

Among the interventions being discussed are the installation of speed ramps, appropriate road signage and other traffic-calming measures, as well as closer monitoring of heavy-duty vehicles using the route.

Residents and stakeholders are also urging authorities to assess the condition and suitability of the road for heavy commercial traffic and take measures to prevent similar incidents.

For the families of the victims, however, the immediate priority remains the recovery of the injured student and support for those who have lost their loved ones.

The Ghana Police Service is expected to continue its investigations into the accident, with the circumstances surrounding the crash to be established as the process progresses.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for greater road safety measures to protect pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren using roads without adequate pedestrian infrastructure.

News Africa Ghana extends its condolences to the bereaved families and wishes the injured student a speedy recovery.