7 Dead, 31 injured in tragic collision between VIP bus and Fuel tanker (Photos)

Seven people have died, and 31 others were injured in a tragic accident involving a VIP bus and a fuel tanker near Obretema, close to Suhum, in Ghana’s Eastern Region.

The crash occurred in the early hours of Saturday, September 21, 2024, according to Graphic Online.

A statement from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) indicated that the fatal collision happened at 4:38 a.m. when the fuel tanker, registered GE-9644-21, suffered a tire burst. This caused the vehicle to swerve into the opposite lane and collide head-on with a VIP bus, registered GR-7632-24. Both vehicles overturned, trapping passengers inside.

The Suhum Fire Service team, led by ADO I Akonnor Opare Ohene Daniel, responded promptly, arriving at the scene at 4:53 a.m. with additional support from the Kyebi Fire Station.

Upon arrival, the crew encountered a grim scene, with several passengers trapped in the wreckage, while bystanders dangerously siphoned fuel from the overturned tanker.

The accident claimed the lives of seven people, including both drivers—five men and two women. Of the 31 injured, 14 were men and 17 women. All the injured victims were rushed to the Suhum Government Hospital for treatment.

Authorities have urged caution, warning the public about the dangers of siphoning fuel from accident scenes, which could lead to secondary disasters.

The Ghana National Fire Service is continuing its investigation into the incident.

See photos from the accident scene below.