3 students of New Koforidua M/A JHS died in fatal accident after an inter-school football gala

Three students of New Koforidua M/A JHS in the Ashanti Region died on the spot when their bus collided head-on with a pick-up truck on the outskirts of Konongo-Odumase on Friday.

One of several others who were injured was referred to the KomfoAnokye Teaching Hospital, in critical condition, after initial treatment at Konongo-Odumase Government Hospital.

The deceased students, all females, yet to be identified, were among others on board the Sprinter bus, travelling from Konongo to New Koforidua, after an inter-school football gala.

Personnel of the Fire Service, police and ambulance service moved in swiftly on a rescue mission.

The entire New Koforidua Township, located on the Kumasi-Konongo stretch of the main Kumasi-Accra road was thrown into mourning as residents trooped to the scene and the hospital where the students were been treated.

Majority of the injured victims were treated and discharged at the Konongo-Odumase Government Hospital.

Konongo Divisional MTTD Commander, ASP Francis Adjei Brobbey, who confirmed the accident, says the Sprinter driver is yet to report the tragedy to police.

According to him, the Sprinter bus with registration AW 6094-12 skidded off the road just few minutes after start of the journey, and collided head-on with a GMT Pick Up truck.

The impact was so heavy it forced passenger vehicle to turn sideways.

The bodies of the deceased have since been deposited at the Steward Hospital Morgue at Konongo, awaiting autopsy, as police mount a search for the driver of the Sprinter bus.