A chain of collisions on the Accra-Nsawam Highway left 12 people dead and 22 others injured after a tipper truck crashed into a line of stationary vehicles at Ofankor Barrier on August 13.
Preliminary Investigation into Aboboyaa Link
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) is investigating a possible link between a broken-down tricycle, or 'aboboyaa', and the chain of collisions that led to the deaths. Felix Owusu, Senior Planning Manager at the NRSA, said the tricycle had reportedly broken down on the road, causing a tipper truck loaded with sand to stop behind it.
Sequence of Events
According to preliminary information gathered at the scene, two Sprinter buses carrying passengers subsequently stopped behind the truck, creating a queue of vehicles on the stretch. The crash occurred at about 4 a.m. between the Ofankor Barrier and the John Teye enclave and involved seven vehicles – two tipper trucks, two Sprinter buses, two saloon cars, and the tricycle. Mr. Owusu suggested that the proximity of the incident to a curve may have limited the driver's ability to respond in time.
Initial Impact Triggers Chain of Collisions
The initial impact triggered a series of subsequent collisions involving the other vehicles, leading to the heavy casualties. Mr. Owusu, however, cautioned against treating the preliminary account as the confirmed cause of the crash, since much of the information was obtained from bystanders. He emphasized that the NRSA was awaiting the full police report and further accounts from surviving drivers and passengers to determine exactly how the accident unfolded.
NRSA Awaits Police Report
Speaking on Citi FM on August 13, Mr. Owusu said the NRSA was relying on the police report to determine the exact cause of the accident. He noted that the NRSA was waiting for the full report that would tell them what exactly happened and how each of the subsequent accidents or crashes occurred. The NRSA is yet to determine the exact cause of the crash and how the series of collisions occurred.
Investigation Continues
The NRSA will continue to investigate the cause of the crash and the possible link between the broken-down tricycle and the chain of collisions. The agency will also look into the role of other factors that may have contributed to the accident, such as the proximity of the incident to a curve. The NRSA will provide an update on the investigation once more information becomes available.
Source: Joy Online
