A tragic road accident has claimed the lives of two young pupils of Alice Elites Academy, a preparatory school located at Assin Edubiase in the Assin South District of the Central Region, after the school bus transporting them veered off the road and plunged into a river at Assin Kwafokrom.
The deceased, a three-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl, were among more than 40 pupils travelling in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus with registration number AS 2218-20 when the unfortunate incident occurred on the Assin Kwafokrom–Homaho road.
According to information gathered, the bus was conveying the children when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the road and crash into a nearby river.
The accident triggered panic among residents and motorists in the area, who rushed to the scene to assist in rescue efforts.
Confirming the incident, the Central North Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) Commander, ASP Wonder Lumor, said a total of 40 pupils sustained various degrees of injuries in the crash and were immediately transported to nearby health facilities for emergency medical care.
He disclosed that 22 of the injured pupils were taken to St. Francis Xavier Hospital, while the remaining 18 were sent to Assin Edubiase Health Centre for treatment.
According to ASP Lumor, all 40 injured pupils received the necessary medical attention and have since been discharged to their families after doctors confirmed that their conditions had stabilized.
The MTTD Commander further revealed that investigations have commenced to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal accident.
He indicated that authorities would thoroughly examine the incident, including the condition of the vehicle and the actions of those responsible for transporting the children.
He cautioned that if investigations establish any form of negligence, the school proprietor and other persons found culpable could be held accountable under the law.
Speaking to journalists after the incident, one of the affected parents, Mr. Douglas Odoom, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the two children and the injuries sustained by dozens of others.
He called on authorities to strengthen safety measures governing the transportation of schoolchildren to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“We entrust our children to schools with the expectation that they will be safe.
This incident is heartbreaking, and we hope the authorities will ensure that all school vehicles meet the required safety standards,” he said.
The accident has plunged the Assin Edubiase community into grief, with families, residents, and school authorities mourning the loss of the two young pupils.
Many residents have described the incident as one of the most devastating tragedies to hit the area in recent times.
As investigations continue, police are expected to determine the precise cause of the crash and whether factors such as driver error, mechanical failure, road conditions, or negligence contributed to the accident.
The bodies of the deceased pupils have been deposited for preservation and further procedures, while authorities continue to gather evidence to support ongoing investigations into the tragedy.
By 1960news.com
