Gomoa-Okyereko road crash: Six persons died; not 16 – Road Safety Authority clarifies

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has issued a press release to provide clarification on the fatal car crash on the Gomoa-Okyereko road.

In its press release, the Authority noted that contrary to reports in the media that some 16 people have lost their lives, only six persons have perished.

“It has come to the notice of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) the misrepresentation by a section of the Media on the death toll of the road traffic crashes that occurred at GomoaOkyereko in the Central Region.

“The Authority can confirm that the total fatalities (death) arising from the crash as at close of day yesterday Tuesday 30th May 2023 was six (6) and not sixteen (16) as presented by a section of the Media,” parts of the release from the Authority said.

Investigations by the National Road Safety Authority have confirmed that the accident occurred when an Iveco Trakker Tanker with registration number WR 2063-10 loaded with Premix Fuel from Tema to Apam collided with a Neoplan bus with registration number GR 5866-L loaded with sixty-two (62) passengers on board from Liberia heading towards Buduburam.

Further information gathered confirmed that 48 passengers are currently receiving medical attention at the Trauma Hospital in Winneba and the Winneba Municipal Hospital, whilst eight (8) passengers escaped unhurt.

Below is a copy of the release from the National Road Safety Authority:

TO ALL MEDIA HOUSES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SIX (6) DIE ON GOMOA - OKYEREKO ROAD TRAFFIC CRASH

It has come to the notice of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) the misrepresentation by a section of the Media on the death toll of the road traffic crashes that occurred at GomoaOkyereko in the Central Region.

The Authority can confirm that, the total fatalities (death) arising from the crash as at close of day yesterday Tuesday 30th May, 2023 was six (6) and not sixteen (16) as presented by a section of the Media.

Preliminary investigation by the Authority shows that the vehicles involved in the crash, an Iveco Trakker Tanker with registration number WR 2063-10 loaded with Premix Fuel from Tema to Apam collided with a Neoplan bus with registration number GR 5866-L loaded with sixty-two (62) passengers on board from Liberia heading towards Buduburam at the early hours of 4:30am on Tuesday March 30th, 2023.

Further information gathered so far reveal that forty-eight (48) passengers are currently receiving medical attention at the Trauma Hospital in Winneba and the Winneba Municipal Hospital, whilst eight (8) passengers escaped unhurt.

The Authority wishes to commensurate with families of the departed and victims of the crash and calls on the public, especially drivers, with particular emphasis on the Accra- Kumasi, Accra- Cape-coast roads to obey speed limits and avoid wrongful overtaking and avoid driving tired. It is our expectation that passengers will join the advocacy for to speak up against any conduct of the driver that endanger their lives.

The Authority reiterates its call for the dualization of the major roads and highways in the country, whilst calling on the Media to be circumspect on their reportage of road traffic crashes by checking on the authenticity of the facts and figures from the right source(s) before publication.

Road traffic crashes have no respect for persons. We all remain at risk as long as we overlook the basics of safety practices.

Road Safety is shared and collective responsibility.

For more information and enquiries, contact 0244040615

Issued by the National Road Safety Authority.