Omanghana
Eleven lower-primary school pupils have been hospitalized following a collision involving a loaded tipper truck and a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter school bus on the Dzorwulu–Accra Mall section of the N1 Highway.
All the children survived the crash, although they sustained injuries of varying severity. At least one pupil was reported to be in critical condition following the incident.
The children were reportedly returning from an educational excursion when the accident occurred near Airport Junction.
Preliminary information from the Ghana National Fire Service indicates that the school bus had stopped on the highway when the loaded tipper truck struck it from behind.
The impact caused extensive damage to the rear of the Sprinter bus, shattered its windows and scattered the children’s belongings inside and around the vehicle.
Emergency responders from the GNFS National Headquarters were dispatched to the scene to secure the area and support the rescue operation.
Firefighters assessed the damaged vehicles, assisted with the evacuation of the occupants and worked to separate parts of the vehicles affected by the collision.
Motorists and other people at the scene also helped remove the injured pupils before they were transported to medical facilities.
One child who sustained severe injuries was reportedly admitted to the intensive care unit at the Police Hospital. The other 10 pupils were taken to the 37 Military Hospital for emergency assessment and treatment.
Early reports from the scene created fears that the accident might have resulted in fatalities because of the extent of the damage. Emergency officials subsequently confirmed that all 11 pupils had survived.
Police and road-safety authorities have opened an investigation to establish the circumstances leading to the collision.
Investigators are expected to examine whether the school bus had developed a mechanical problem, how long it had been stationary and whether appropriate warning signs had been placed on the road.
The mechanical condition of both vehicles, the speed of the tipper truck and the conduct of the drivers are also likely to form part of the investigation.
Authorities have not yet announced any arrests or formal charges in connection with the crash. Further updates are expected from the hospitals and emergency agencies regarding the children’s conditions.
Source: Omanghana
