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FOUR pupils of the School of Islamic Studies at Akotosu were killed and three others injured when a Hyundai van veered off the road and crashed into them at Aboabo in the Asokore Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region on Tuesday.

The children, who were aged between five and 12, were preparing to cross the road after school when the vehicle, travelling from the Aboabo Post Office area towards the Airport Roundabout, reportedly lost control while descending a slope and mounted the pavement where they were standing.

The deceased were identified as Juraid Mohammed, Anisah Ibrahim, Fati Muniru and Raiyan Faisal. They were pronounced dead on arrival at the Manhyia District Hospital.

Two of the injured, 12-year-old Laila Muniru and five-year-old Bushira Musapha, were said to be in critical condition and were transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for further treatment. The third victim, six-year-old Saisa Bila, was stable and receiving treatment at the Manhyia District Hospital.

Witnesses said the van suddenly veered onto the pavement and struck all seven children, leaving residents in shock as they rushed to assist the victims.

Personnel from the Airport District Police Command later arrived, controlled the crowd and reopened the road to traffic.

The driver was arrested and placed in police custody, while the damaged vehicle was impounded as investigations continued into what caused the driver to lose control.

The bodies of the four children were subsequently released to their families after identification, with burial arrangements being made in accordance with Islamic rites.

The tragedy has renewed concerns about pedestrian safety around schools, with the headmaster of the school, Bawa Abdul-Rahman, appealing to the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly and other relevant authorities to construct a footbridge at the spot to protect children and other pedestrians from similar incidents.

FROM OUR ASHANTI REGIONAL CORRESPONDENT

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