Illegal U-Turn Causes Major Accident, Injuring 25 Passengers

In a harrowing accident that took place on the Winneba-Mankesim Highway, 25 passengers were injured after a Sprinter Benz bus collided with a Nissan pickup truck at the Gomoa Mprumen Junction in the Central Region.

Thirteen of the injured passengers sustained serious injuries, while eleven others were treated for minor injuries.

The crash occurred on the morning of 23 February, when the two vehicles, a Sprinter Benz bus (registration number GW 8172-22) traveling from Accra to Cape Coast, and the Nissan pickup truck (registration number GN 3611-24) heading from Cape Coast to Accra, collided head-on.

According to DO2 Anthony Kwesi Rhule, the Apam District Fire Service Commander, the accident happened when the driver of the Nissan pickup made an illegal U-turn on the highway, cutting directly into the path of the approaching bus.

The Sprinter bus, traveling at high speed, was unable to avoid the collision and crashed into the pickup, resulting in injuries to the passengers aboard both vehicles.

Fire service personnel, along with emergency responders, quickly arrived at the scene, providing vital medical assistance and transporting the injured passengers to nearby hospitals.

The victims were rushed to Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital and Apam St. Luke Catholic Hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported in the crash.

DO2 Rhule emphasized that although the pickup’s illegal U-turn contributed significantly to the accident, the bus driver’s high speed also played a crucial role in the severity of the crash.

He urged all road users, particularly those using the Kasoa-Cape Coast highway, to adhere to speed limits and avoid dangerous overtaking.

The fire commander also reminded passengers to be mindful of the driving behavior of the person behind the wheel and report any reckless driving they might witness.

His advice comes as authorities continue to stress the need for safer driving practices to prevent further accidents on the route.