A VIP bus travelling from Kumasi to Sunyani was completely destroyed by fire at Abuakwa in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday. Passengers narrowly escaped injury after the blaze engulfed the vehicle.
Flames Engulf VIP Bus on Kumasi-Sunyani Road
According to eyewitnesses, the bus began emitting smoke shortly after leaving the Kumasi station. By the time it reached the Abuakwa stretch of the road, the situation had worsened, prompting passengers to quickly evacuate the vehicle. "When the vehicle started smoking, within less than five minutes, the whole bus was engulfed in flames," said Ofori Boateng, an eyewitness.
Passengers Leap to Safety as Fire Spreads
Fortunately, all passengers managed to escape before the fire spread, and no casualties were recorded. However, the bus and property belonging to passengers were completely destroyed. Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality responded to the incident and worked to extinguish the blaze, but the vehicle had already sustained extensive damage.
Traffic Disrupted as Police Deploy to Manage Situation
The incident also caused heavy traffic along the Abuakwa stretch of the road. Police officers were deployed to the area to manage the situation and help ease congestion. Despite the disruption, residents and drivers expressed gratitude that no lives were lost in the fire.
Investigation into Fire's Cause Continues
An eyewitness, Ofori Boateng, said the exact cause of the fire was yet to be established, although there were suspicions that the engine may have overheated. The Ghana National Fire Service is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the root cause of the fire.
What's Next for Affected Passengers
The incident has left many passengers without their belongings, including personal items and luggage. The Ghana National Fire Service has assured the public that they will provide assistance to the affected passengers and help them recover their lost property. However, the extent of the assistance is yet to be determined.
Source: Joy Online
