Brake failure causes pile-up at Kumasi's Sofoline Flyover; baby among four injured

A catastrophic traffic collision unfolded at Kumasi's busy Sofoline Interchange on Tuesday morning when a commercial minibus lost its brakes whilst descending the flyover, striking two other vehicles and leaving four people—including a toddler—injured.

The crash involved three vehicles: a minibus operating as commercial transport, a Toyota Corolla, and a motorised tricycle locally known as a Pragia. The sequence of events began when Kwabena Boahen, the minibus driver, discovered his brakes had failed mid-descent as he travelled from Goaso towards Kejetia market.

"While descending the flyover, I stepped on the brake and realised it had failed. I tried my best to control the vehicle but unfortunately could not," Mr. Boahen explained at the scene. Unable to stop, the heavy minibus accelerated down the slope and struck both the Corolla and Pragia ahead of it, causing significant damage to all three vehicles.

Victims and emergency response

The minibus was carrying 13 passengers at the time, though none sustained injuries. Similarly, occupants of the Toyota Corolla escaped without harm. However, the Pragia bore the brunt of the impact, with all four occupants—including the driver and a one-and-a-half-year-old child—suffering injuries of varying severity.

Eyewitness accounts corroborated the driver's explanation of brake failure. A bystander who witnessed the collision said: "I was standing by the roadside when I saw the Stanbic bus suffer brake failure and crash into a Toyota Corolla and a motorized tricycle. There were 4 people in the Pragia, including the driver and a baby about one and a half years old. All of them sustained injuries."

Emergency responders moved swiftly to assist. Passersby and fellow motorists transported the injured victims to the nearby Suntreso Government Hospital for treatment. Personnel from the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) subsequently arrived to manage traffic congestion and recover the damaged vehicles, restoring normal flow along the heavily-used corridor.

Why it matters for Ghana

This incident highlights critical safety concerns on Ghana's road network, particularly regarding vehicle maintenance standards for commercial transport operators. Brake failure—a preventable mechanical fault—remains a leading cause of serious accidents on the country's highways and urban routes. The Sofoline Interchange is a critical junction serving thousands of commuters daily, making safety protocols essential.

The crash also underscores vulnerabilities in Ghana's informal transport sector, where many vehicles operate with minimal regulatory oversight of mechanical fitness. The fact that a Pragia (tricycle taxi) bore the full impact, injuring all occupants including an infant, reflects the vulnerability of passengers in smaller, less-protected vehicles when involved in collisions with heavier commercial buses.

The Police MTTD's investigation will likely examine whether the minibus received regular maintenance inspections. Ghana's road safety record remains concerning, with mechanical failures contributing to numerous preventable accidents annually. Better enforcement of vehicle inspection standards and mandatory maintenance schedules could significantly reduce such incidents.

The incident also caused temporary economic disruption, with gridlock affecting the busy Sofoline-Abuakwa corridor—a vital commercial and commuter route in Kumasi. Such congestion impacts traders, delivery services, and workers relying on timely transport.

Investigation underway

Police have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the brake failure. The outcome may provide valuable insights into the minibus operator's maintenance practices and could inform discussions about strengthening vehicle safety regulations within Ghana's transport sector.