A victim has been confirmed dead and five others are recovering from serious injuries after an ECOMIG vehicle with a Ghanaian officer behind the wheels crashed into a blue tricycle taxi with a pasenger carrier.
The early morning incident happened about 15 metres from the Mariama Kunda junction when a taxi tricycle heading towards the direction of Coastal Road collided with the ECOMIG military vehicle cruising towards the Turntable area
According to an eyewitness, the accident happened as the tricycle was avoiding potholes on the road and when the driver swerved towards the middle of the highway, he encountered the ECOMIG pickup leading to a crash collusion. The ECOMIG pickup truck hit left side of the metal carrier where five passengers were seated.
Eyewitnesses say the collusion was so hard that all passengers sitting in the carrier were forcefully ejected from their seats leading to fatal injuries.
Several other passengers were run over by the ECOMIG pickup and many sustained broken legs and arms. One of the victims was severely hit and he died on the spot.
The rest were quickly taken by volunteers to the Sukuta Health Centre. An Afrimed Ambulance also came to the scene and helped to transport victims with the severest injuries and those struggling to stay alive. At least two passengers were in critical condition.
The ECOMIG driver ran away from the scene in fear of mob justice but a Police intervention team called to the area later went to interview the ECOMIG driver at their base near the Paradise Estates.
The accident provoked angry reactions from youths and passers by who lamented the poor condition of the road and constant incidents with overspeeding vehicles.