Police in Ghana have said that at least 18 people have died after trees fell on them at a tourist attraction site in a town called Kintampo in the Bono Ahafo region of the country.
22 others are also reported to be in critical condition at the hospital. The victims of the accident, many of whom were students were on excursion at the waterfalls on Sunday.
Starr FM in Accra reported that eyewitnesses said heavy trees fell from the top of the waterfalls landing on the victims who were swimming.
“A huge tree fell at the top when the rains began and crashed the revelers,” an eyewitness told Starr FM.
A police spokesperson Chief Superintendent, Desmond Owusu Boampong told the media “Most of them are students of the Wenchi Senior High School. Others are tourists.”
The tourism minister of Ghana, Catherine Afeku has issued a statement expressing sadness about the incident. She said the government will ensure that the families of the victims are supported.
The Kintampo Waterfalls is one of the highest waterfalls in Ghana located on the Pumpum River, a tributary of the Black Volta.
My deepest condolences to the families of all those affected by this unfortunate and tragic incident. (2/2)
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) March 20, 2017
Very sad news of tragic deaths at the Kintampo waterfalls. Sincerest condolences to families of the victims. #Kintampodisaster.
— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) March 20, 2017
Source: Africafeeds.com
