Road accident claims 14 lives at Konongo

Juaso (Ash), Jan. 4, GNA - A head-on collision between a Ford bus and a KIA Rhino on the outskirts of Konongo in the Asante Akim North Municipality on Sunday night, has claimed 14 lives.

While nine persons died on the spot, five others died later at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital where the injured passengers were sent for treatment. The bodies of the deceased with the exception of two, who died at the Agogo Hospital, have been deposited at KATH morgue for autopsy. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), John Mbrah, Konongo Divisional Commander of the Motor Traffic Transport Unit (MTTU), who briefed the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said a faulty Leyland truck with registration number AS 1803 F, had parked by the roadside with portion of the body in the road.

He said at about 1930 hours on Sunday night, the KIA with registration number GR 9321 Q in an attempt to by pass the truck collided with the Ford, which was heading towards Accra with passengers on board, killing nine on the spot.

According to ASP Mbrah other passengers, who sustained various degrees of injuries were rushed to KATH and Agogo Hospital where five died later. He said the driver of the truck Busia Nanie was in Police custody to assist in investigations while efforts were being made to identify the victims.