A fatal road accident at Kaase in the Asokwa Municipality of the Ashanti Region has claimed the life of a 55-year-old trader after a gas tanker reportedly suffered brake failure on a hill.

The tanker, bearing registration number GT 5560-16, was said to be climbing towards the Kuwait area when it began rolling backwards uncontrollably.

In its path were several vehicles that had come to a stop on the stretch, including two trotros and a Toyota Vitz.

The deceased, identified as Owusu and popularly known as “Wayomi,” was seated in the front of one of the trotros directly behind the tanker.

As the heavy vehicle reversed, it rammed into the trotro and the saloon car behind it.

Reports indicate that Mr Owusu attempted to escape but became trapped beneath the tanker, dying at the scene. He is survived by a wife and three children.

A nurse who was driving her mother in the Toyota Vitz was also caught up in the crash but survived. In total, about five vehicles were affected by the incident, leading to significant traffic disruption in the area.

Personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service responded promptly to the scene.

The victim’s body has since been deposited at the morgue of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, while security agencies worked to clear the wreckage and restore the free flow of traffic.