A quiet afternoon turned chaotic as a heavy-duty truck believed to be carrying textiles veered off the road and crashed into stalls at Anloga Junction in Kumasi. 

Eyewitnesses say the brakes of the vehicle may have failed, resulting in the crash which resulted in the severe injury of a seven-month-old baby and the destruction of valuable goods.

The accident, which happened at the four-lane Anloga traffic intersection left traders in despair, and raised concerns about the safety of heavy-duty vehicles on city roads.

The number of reported road traffic crashes in Kumasi rose from 1,255 in 2021 to 1,550 in 2022, representing a 24% increase.

Witnesses of the accident around the Anloga road traffic intersection, indicated that the driver was alerted. 

“The Car was stopped with an object, but after the traffic light turned green, the driver started to move the car uncontrollably,” an eyewitness accounted.

“We heard noises and ran for safety. We were not harmed except for a seven-month-old baby who was found under the rubble. All containers, and glass showcases have been reduced to nothing,” one woman said. 

Residents say the stretch has become very dangerous due to the excessive speeding by vehicles. 

“This intersection curves are very sharp, and cars run into each other every day. This has become a very dangerous stretch,” an eyewitness added. 

The heavy-duty truck could not readily be towed hence, authorities were considering offloading the goods it carried.