Regional News of Wednesday, 26 March 2008

Source: GNA

Death toll in Mamfe accident increases to 15

Accra, March 26, GNA - One more person has been confirmed dead at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital bringing the death toll of the Mamfe accident to 15.

Hospital sources told the GNA that the deceased, who had not been identified, was among 22 other passengers who were rushed to various hospitals for medical attention after the accident on Tuesday. The corpse has been deposited at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Mortuary for autopsy.

The accident occurred when a 33-seater Mercedes Benz bus on which they were travelling hit in a Ford pick-up being driven by a medical practitioner at Tsotsoo village, near Mamfe Akuapem. Akropong Divisional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Addae Acheampong, told GNA that both vehicles were travelling in the same direction.

He said when John Nartey, driver of the bus, was descending the Mamfe hills, the clutch failed and the bus hit the back of the Ford that was ahead.

ACP Acheampong said the vehicles veered off the road into a ditch during which the bus somersaulted.

He said the medical practitioner, who was the only person on board the Ford and Mr Nartey, were among the injured. ACP Acheampong said the police were investigating the accident.