At least five people, including security personnel, sustained critical injuries after a loaded Kia Rhino truck collided with a commercial passenger vehicle at the Asafo Labour Roundabout in Kumasi.
The injured victims were rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where they are receiving emergency medical treatment.
Confirming the incident, the Manhyia Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) Commander, DSP Dorcas Kyei Mensah, said all five victims were admitted to KATH following the crash.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident occurred when the Kia Rhino truck, which was transporting a load of plantains, reportedly suffered brake failure while descending the hill from the Amakom direction.
The driver subsequently lost control of the vehicle and crashed into an oncoming commercial minibus travelling from the Kejetia direction.
Eyewitnesses said the truck driver attempted to swerve moments before the collision, a move they believe helped reduce the number of casualties.
The impact severely damaged the commercial vehicle, trapping several passengers inside the wreckage.
Rescue personnel, assisted by bystanders, cut through the driver’s side of the vehicle to free the victims.
Traders from the nearby Aboabo Market also joined rescue efforts, helping to clear the scene and salvage the scattered plantains from the truck.
According to the traders, the victims were fellow market women and traders returning from Asante Akyem with fresh consignments of plantain.
Personnel from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department later arrived at the scene to manage traffic, remove the wreckage and tow the damaged vehicles to restore the free flow of traffic.
Police have launched investigations to determine the exact cause of the accident.
