Ofankor Barrier crash: Blow by blow account of how accident occurred as death toll reaches 11

At least 11 people have died and several others sustained injuries following a multiple-vehicle collision at Ofankor Barrier in the Greater Accra Region.

The fatal crash occurred at about 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, on the overpass off the main Ofankor road, causing significant disruption to traffic and forcing motorists to use alternative routes.

The Assemblyman for the Ofankor South Electoral Area, Dennis Daniel Quarshie, has provided an eyewitness account of how the deadly chain collision unfolded.

According to Mr Quarshie, the incident began when an articulated truck reportedly knocked down a tricycle rider, popularly known as an “aboboyaa.”

He said the rider died at the scene after being struck by the truck, whose driver allegedly failed to stop and continued driving.

A police officer who arrived at the scene subsequently parked and began directing approaching motorists to prevent further collisions.

However, according to the Assemblyman, the situation quickly escalated when other motorists approaching the area were unaware of the initial accident.

A tipper truck reportedly failed to recognise the developing situation and stopped near the police officer.

A passenger vehicle travelling behind the tipper truck then crashed into it, apparently because its driver did not realise that the truck had stopped.

Another vehicle subsequently collided with the passenger vehicle, trapping several occupants inside.

Mr Quarshie said approximately 15 passengers were trapped in the middle vehicle, which was severely crushed in the chain collision.

The passenger car got squeezed in the middle, and that is where about 15 passengers were trapped inside,” he recounted.

He said most of the fatalities occurred among occupants of that vehicle because of the severity of the impact.

A fourth passenger vehicle subsequently crashed into the wreckage, resulting in additional fatalities.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) earlier confirmed that the crash had resulted in multiple deaths.

ADO1 Alex King Nartey, of the GNFS Public Relations Unit, told TV3’s New Day that 10 people had initially been confirmed dead, while seven others were unconscious.

He also disclosed that one of the survivors, a girl believed to be under 15 years old, had suffered severe injuries resulting in the loss of both legs.

The death toll has since risen to 11, according to reports from the scene.

Emergency responders were deployed to the area to rescue victims trapped inside the vehicles and clear the wreckage.

The collision caused severe traffic congestion along the Ofankor stretch as emergency operations were carried out.

The GNFS has since cleared the road, allowing traffic to resume along the affected section.

Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the actions of the driver of the articulated truck who reportedly left the scene after the initial collision.

The incident has once again raised concerns about road safety, speeding, visibility and the risks associated with secondary collisions on major highways.