Five injured as armed robbers attack VIP Jeoun bus on Accra-Kumasi Highway

Five people, including a driver and his assistant, sustained gunshot wounds after armed robbers attacked a VIP Jeoun coach on the Accra-Kumasi Highway late Thursday night.

The incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on July 30 between Apedwa Junction, Nkronso, Akooko and Akyem Asafo, where the assailants reportedly used a vehicle to block the road before ambushing motorists.

In a statement issued on Friday, July 31, VIP Jeoun said three commercial buses were trapped by the roadblock as the armed gang launched the attack.

The company said one of its coaches, travelling from Accra to Sunyani, came under intense gunfire, leaving the driver, his mate and three passengers with gunshot injuries.

The victims were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment, while the driver was later transferred to the 37 Military Hospital for specialised medical care.

VIP Jeoun commended officers from the Suhum Divisional Police Command for their swift response, saying they confronted the robbers in a gun battle, forced them to retreat, cleared the obstruction from the road and restored the free flow of traffic.

The transport company also disclosed that another of its buses narrowly escaped a similar attack about two hours later, at around 1:00 a.m., at Potrikrom on the Kumasi-Sunyani Highway.

According to the statement, armed robbers opened fire on the second coach, shattering its windscreen. However, an armed security escort on board returned fire, compelling the attackers to flee before they could rob the passengers or seize the vehicle.

A police patrol team later arrived at the scene to secure the area. No injuries were recorded in the second incident.

VIP Jeoun reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of its passengers and staff, stating that it remains dedicated to providing secure and dependable transport services despite the attacks.