Seven people have died, and 31 others sustained injuries 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 a statement from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the fatal collision took place at 4:38 a.m. when the fuel tanker, registered GE-9644-21, suffered a tyre burst, causing it to swerve into the opposite lane and collide head-on with a VIP bus, registered GR-7632-24. The crash resulted in both vehicles overturning, trapping passengers inside.

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

Upon arrival, the crew discovered a harrowing scene, with several passengers trapped in the wreckage and bystanders dangerously siphoning 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 were women. All the injured victims were rushed to the Suhum Government Hospital for treatment.

Authorities have urged caution and reminded the public of the dangers associated with siphoning fuel from accident scenes, which can lead to secondary disasters.

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

See photographs of the aftermath below;