Omanghana
One person has died following a tragic road traffic accident involving an overturned cargo truck on the Goaso–Kukuom Highway in Ghana’s Ahafo Region.
The fatal incident occurred on Thursday, July 9, 2026, near the Kamirekrom Immigration Checkpoint, causing significant traffic congestion and prompting an emergency response from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and other rescue agencies.
Truck Reportedly Suffers Brake Failure
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident occurred after a Kia cargo truck transporting heavy sheets of plywood experienced an apparent mechanical brake failure.
According to emergency officials, the driver lost the ability to slow the vehicle while approaching the Kamirekrom Immigration Checkpoint. Unable to bring the truck under control, the vehicle overturned on the highway, spilling its load across the road.
The crash temporarily blocked sections of the roadway and disrupted the flow of traffic as emergency crews worked to secure the scene.
Victim Trapped Beneath Plywood
The impact of the rollover caused the truck’s cargo to shift violently, trapping a man identified by authorities as Mr. Frank beneath the heavy plywood.
Firefighters from the Goaso Municipal Fire Station responded swiftly to the scene and launched a rescue operation to free the victim from underneath the collapsed cargo.
Despite their efforts, Mr. Frank was pronounced dead at the scene after being extricated. Authorities said he sustained severe injuries as a result of the incident.
Emergency Response
The rescue operation was supervised by the Ahafo Regional Fire Commander, ACFO II Samuel Ferdie Tetteh, who coordinated efforts to recover the victim and restore normal traffic conditions.
Following the rescue operation, firefighters cleared the scattered plywood from the highway, secured the accident scene, and reopened the road to motorists after ensuring it was safe for travel.
The cause of the mechanical failure is expected to form part of further investigations into the accident.
Fire Service Urges Vehicle Maintenance
In the wake of the fatal crash, the Ghana National Fire Service renewed its call for commercial transport operators and owners of heavy-duty vehicles to prioritize routine maintenance, particularly of critical braking systems.
The Service emphasized that regular mechanical inspections can help prevent avoidable road accidents caused by equipment failure and urged drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on long-distance journeys.
Road safety experts continue to stress that proper vehicle maintenance, adherence to speed limits, and regular safety checks remain essential in reducing the number of fatal accidents on Ghana’s highways.
Source: Omanghana
