The trains, travelling on a single line, crashed between Koranteng and Huni Valley in the bauxite-producing area of the Western Region, claiming the lives of the seven people. One train was loaded with bauxite while the other was empty.

Communication breakdown had been cited for the accident.
The two trains were facing each other from the direction of Takoradi and Awaso before the collision.

The deceased, including a pregnant woman, were said to be illegal passengers on the cargo trains and they could not be immediately identified.

Twenty-five other passengers were rushed to the Tarkwa Government Hospital and were said to be in critical condition.

Reports said more passengers were trapped under the trains, and cranes had been requested from Takoradi for the rescue operation.

The empty cargo train was travelling from Takoradi towards Kumasi, whereas the one loaded with bauxite was from Awaso heading towards the Takoradi Port.

The train loaded with bauxite was said to be on the rail line, whereas the empty one derailed and crashed into it.

According to an eyewitness, the accident happened about 11:00 a.m. yesterday and that two of the deceased persons were trapped in the wreckage and Good Samaritans had a tough time retrieving their bodies.

A few other people who were said to have sustained injuries were rushed to the Huni Valley Clinic for first aid and later taken to the Tarkwa Government Hospital.

As at the time of filing this report the Deputy Western Regional Minister, Kwasi Blay and the Western Regional Police Commander, DCOP Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan and their teams were travelling from Sekondi to the scene of the accident to assess the situation.

The Public Relations Officer of GRC, James Abaka-Amoah confirmed that the accident had occurred at Huni Valley, Koranteng Nsu area, but was yet to get the details, citing poor communication.

He told Media that apart from the Takoradi Manso rail-line which was double, the others were single.

Source: Daily Guide