Eight killed during burial procession at Achiase

Achiase (E/R), July 27, GNA - Eight people are now known to have died when a tipper truck slammed through a crowd of mourners and killed them instantly.

Twenty four others were seriously injured during burial procession at Akim Achiase in the Eastern Region on Saturday, July 24.

The deceased mourners have been deposited at the Akim Oda Government Hospital morgue and five of the injured referred to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, while three were also referred to the Koforidua Government Hospital, but the rest are receiving treatment at the Akim Oda Government Hospital.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Albert Delatse, Divisional Motor, Traffic, Transport Unit Commander of Ghana Police Service, who confirmed the incident, told the Ghana News Agency that a tipper truck with registration number AS 5907 - Y, heading towards Akim Oda, lost control of the steering wheel and therefore, ran into three vehicles at a point near the Akim Achiase cemetery.

He said the three vehicles then also ran into the mourners who were going to bury their beloved one.

DSP Delatse said the 39-year-old tipper truck driver, David Okine, is on admission at the Akim Oda Government Hospital and would help in police investigations, when recovered.

Dr Atta Larbi Sakyi, a medical officer of the hospital, confirmed the incident and described it as pathetic.

GNA