Somanya: A tragic crash on the Somanya-Adukrom stretch has left one person dead, and several others injured after a minibus overturned following brake failure. It was compounded by a passenger seated in front who allegedly applied the brake.

According to Ghana News Agency, the Hyundai H100 minibus with the registration number GR 5063-18 was transporting about 18 passengers when one of its tyres burst near New Somanya. Confirming the incident, a police source said the driver was attempting to control the wobbling vehicle after the tyre burst. However, in the panic that followed, a passenger seated in front allegedly applied the brake, causing the vehicle to somersault.

Emergency responders rushed the injured to the Yilo Krobo District Hospital, where one passenger was confirmed dead on arrival. Dr. Francisca Darkwah, Medical Superintendent of the Hospital, reported that one critically injured victim had been transferred to the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua, while others remain under treatment and observation.

Police have launched an investigation and indicated that some of the victims would assist with inquiries once discharged. The Adukrom-Aseseeso-Somanya road is notorious for its steep slopes and sharp curves, contributing to a history of fatal crashes. In December 2022, five people died in a crash near Aseseeso while in April 2023, a head-on collision claimed two lives, and in August 2024, three traders died when their vehicle overturned near Adukrom.

Thursday’s incident has reignited public concern over road safety on that stretch, with residents calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved safety measures for commuters and other road users.