22 injured as overloaded Sprinter bus crashes near Sege; tyre burst blamed

A serious road accident at Sege on Friday, October 09, 2026, has left 22 people injured after a Sprinter bus experienced a sudden tyre failure and overturned on the main highway. The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:30 hours, mobilised emergency responders from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service and local residents to the scene.

According to eyewitness Mr Evans Doetse Huago, the vehicle, registered as GW 569-26, was en route from Aflao to Accra when its left rear tyre ruptured without warning. The tyre failure caused the driver to lose control of the heavily laden bus, which veered sharply off the road and overturned, trapping occupants inside. All injured persons, including the driver, were swiftly evacuated and transported to Sege Polyclinic for medical treatment with assistance from police and fire service personnel.

Overloading raises safety red flags

A critical factor emerging from the accident investigation is the excessive loading of the vehicle. Mr Huago noted that the Sprinter bus was packed well beyond recommended capacity, with goods not only filling the boot but also stacked heavily on the roof rack. This overloading likely placed severe stress on the vehicle's tyres and suspension system, potentially accelerating tyre degradation and contributing to the blowout that triggered the crash.

The eyewitness also indicated that some passengers were heard speaking Volta Region languages, suggesting the bus may have originated from communities further south before connecting to the Accra route. Local welders and residents quickly mobilised to assist, with one welder bringing a tipper truck to secure the goods scattered across the accident scene whilst police arranged removal of the damaged vehicle.

What this means for Ghana's road safety

This accident underscores persistent challenges on Ghana's roads, where commercial transport operators frequently exceed legal weight and passenger limits to maximise profit. Overloaded vehicles put dangerous strain on tyres, brakes and suspension—factors that multiply the severity of accidents when mechanical failures occur.

The National Road Safety Authority and Ghana Police Service have repeatedly warned against vehicle overloading, yet enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly on intercity routes. Sprinter buses and similar commercial vehicles are workhorses of Ghana's transport network, carrying thousands of passengers daily, making their safe operation a public health priority. Regular mechanical inspections, strict adherence to weight limits and driver training could significantly reduce such incidents.

At the time of reporting, officials at the accident scene declined to provide further comment. The condition of the 22 injured persons at Sege Polyclinic remains unclear, though no fatalities were immediately reported.