A driver was found dead just meters from his submerged Honda Fit on the Accra-Tema motorway after a tragic flooding incident. The car, swept away by floodwaters near a bridge during a heavy downpour on Saturday, was only discovered on Tuesday afternoon, along with the driver’s body.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), police, National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), and bystanders collaborated to retrieve the vehicle. Nana-Mintah Nanor, the second-in-command at the Tema Motorway Fire Station, shared details of the incident with Joy News. He noted that the GNFS was alerted around midday on Tuesday, several days after the flood.
“A dispatch rider witnessed the incident and rushed to the station to inform us about the car being swept into the bridge drain, less than 100 meters from Nutrifoods,” Nanor explained. The rider initially attempted to rescue the driver but failed and then informed the police. Despite rescue attempts, the car remained elusive in the water.
On Tuesday, the dispatch rider spotted a crowd pointing at the submerged car, which was visible only by its antenna. Responding to the emergency call, the Tema Motorway fire team arrived to retrieve the car and its driver.
“I immediately informed a police commander. Our men quickly got into the water, tied ropes to the car, and helped tow it to where it was visible, but there was no occupant,” Nanor said. The police and NRSA then used a towing vehicle to move the car to a nearby yard.
The driver’s body was later found meters away from the car. Nanor highlighted the severe risks of driving during heavy rains and urged drivers to avoid flooded roads. “With the nature of our roads, you don’t take the risk of driving on flooded roads. Do not be deceived that you have control over the steering wheel; you could be washed away. If there is a need to wait until all flooded areas are clear before moving, please do so because life is too precious to be wasted this way. Please respect this safety protocol,” he warned.
He also expressed concern about the lack of guardrails or barriers along the motorway, which could help prevent such tragedies in the future.
This incident on the Accra-Tema motorway underscores the dangers of extreme weather and the critical importance of road safety measures. Efforts must be made to address these vulnerabilities, ensuring adequate safeguards to protect lives. Additionally, while the incident highlights the need for improved infrastructure, it also calls for increased awareness among motorists.