ODUMASE, Ashanti Region — Thirteen people have been confirmed dead following a horrific three-vehicle collision on the Accra-Kumasi Highway near Odumase in the Asante Akim Central Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
The fatal crash, which occurred on Thursday morning, July 16, 2026, involved a passenger bus, a cargo truck carrying tomatoes, and an empty fuel tanker, leaving several passengers injured and causing major disruption on one of Ghana’s busiest highways.
Passenger Bus Crushed in Massive Collision
Preliminary reports indicate that the crash happened during the early hours of Thursday when the three vehicles collided under circumstances that are yet to be fully established.
The force of the impact severely damaged the passenger bus, trapping some occupants inside the wreckage. Residents and passing motorists who arrived at the scene reportedly joined rescue efforts before emergency teams reached the area.
The accident created a chaotic scene, with vehicle debris and spilled cargo scattered across the highway.
Emergency Teams Recover Bodies, Rescue Survivors
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the National Ambulance Service, and other emergency responders were deployed to manage the rescue operation.
Emergency officials confirmed that thirteen bodies were recovered from the crash site and transported to a morgue, while several injured victims were taken to the Konongo-Odumase Government Hospital and other nearby health facilities for treatment.
Some of the injured passengers are reported to be in critical condition as medical teams continue efforts to stabilise them.
Accident Causes Traffic Gridlock
The crash brought traffic movement along the Accra-Kumasi Highway to a standstill for several hours as authorities worked to clear the wreckage and manage the situation.
The scattered remains of the vehicles, together with tomatoes spilled from the cargo truck, created additional challenges for rescue teams and motorists using the route.
Police officers were deployed to control traffic flow and redirect vehicles while recovery operations continued.
Police Begin Investigation Into Crash
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Although details remain preliminary, eyewitness accounts suggest that a possible wrongful overtaking attempt by one of the heavy-duty vehicles may have contributed to the collision.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue and more information emerges.
Renewed Concerns Over Road Safety
The latest tragedy has renewed concerns about road safety on the Accra-Kumasi Highway, where crashes involving commercial and heavy-duty vehicles continue to raise public concern.
Road safety experts have consistently called for improved highway infrastructure, stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, and greater discipline among drivers to reduce fatal crashes on major transport corridors.
As emergency teams continue their work, authorities are also expected to confirm the identities of the victims and provide additional details on the condition of survivors.
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
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