Captain Aboboyaa in Spotlight Over Deadly Okankor Crash

A stationary tricycle, commonly referred to as an aboboyaa, is at the center of a deadly multi-vehicle collision that claimed 12 lives on the Accra-Nsawam Highway. The crash occurred at approximately 4 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, along the stretch between the Ofankor Barrier and the John Teye enclave.

Aboboyaa in the Spotlight Over Deadly Okankor Crash

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) is investigating the incident, which involved seven vehicles: two tipper trucks, two Sprinter buses, two saloon cars, and the tricycle. Twenty-two people sustained injuries and are currently being treated at various hospitals.

According to preliminary information gathered at the scene, the tricycle had reportedly stalled on the road. A sand-laden tipper truck stopped behind it, and two passenger-carrying Sprinter buses subsequently halted behind the truck, creating a stationary queue of vehicles along the stretch.

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Speeding Tipper Truck Triggers Chain of Collisions

Felix Owusu, Senior Planning Manager at the NRSA, explained that a separate tipper truck then approached the line of vehicles at high speed and ploughed into them, setting off a series of further collisions that resulted in the heavy casualties. Owusu noted that the incident occurred near a curve, which may have restricted the approaching driver's reaction time.

Owusu was careful to stress that the emerging picture of events should not be taken as the confirmed cause of the accident. "From the little we have gathered, there was a stationary tricycle, or what most people call an 'aboboyaa'. There was a tricycle which had broken down," Owusu said, speaking on Citi FM.

Investigation Continues as Surviving Drivers and Passengers Share Their Accounts

The NRSA said it would also seek accounts from surviving drivers and passengers as part of its efforts to establish a complete and accurate picture of how the crash at Ofankor Barrier developed. Owusu emphasized that most of the information available to the authority at this stage came from bystanders at the scene rather than from those directly involved.

"We are waiting for the police for a full report that will tell us what exactly happened and how each of the subsequent accidents or crashes occurred," Owusu added. The NRSA is working closely with the police to gather more information and piece together the events leading up to the crash.

What Happens Next

As the investigation continues, the NRSA will work to determine the exact cause of the crash and whether the aboboyaa played a role in the deadly collision. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance on Ghana's highways. The NRSA will continue to work with the police and other stakeholders to prevent such incidents in the future.

Source: Yen ALL