50 dead in Ghana highway bus collision - Police
Accra, Ghana (PANA) - At least 50 people died instantly with dozens injured when two buses collided early Friday on a highway in central Ghana, local police said.
One of the buses burst into flames following the crash, which occurred on the Techiman-Kintampo highway, eyewitnesses said.
The injured included women and children and were being treated in nearby hospitals, a local police source told PANA.
Local radio stations put the death toll at 60, but the police said it was too early to confirm the exact number.
Fatal highway accidents are rampant in Ghana, mainly due to bad construction, non-maintenance of existing roads and lack of enforcement of regulations. Around 2,000 people were killed last year, the Motor Traffic and Transport Department said.
President Nana Akufo-Addo last year set up a body to look into the rampant road accidents and recommend measures to curb the loss of lives.
While expressing sympathies to the bereaved families, he said the committee had completed it work and he expected action on its recommendation soon.
Ghana's main opposition in parliament said on Friday they intended to invite the Minister of Transport to answer questions on the government's plans to curb road accidents.
-0- PANA KK/VAO 22March2019
