A dramatic incident occurred late Sunday evening when a passenger bus belonging to OA Transport Services, traveling from Accra to Techiman, suddenly caught fire near Nsawam, a town along the busy Accra-Kumasi highway.
The fire, which erupted unexpectedly, left passengers terrified and prompted immediate concerns about their safety and the fate of their personal belongings.
Initial reports indicate that the bus, which had departed Accra around 9 p.m. for the overnight journey, was carrying dozens of passengers headed to Techiman in the Bono East region.
As flames engulfed the vehicle, passengers were forced to quickly evacuate the bus, with many fleeing the scene in panic. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties, and all passengers successfully managed to exit the bus unharmed.
The fire, which spread rapidly, completely destroyed the bus, leaving behind only charred remains. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the fire visible from a great distance, alarming nearby travelers.
Emergency services were alerted, and fire fighters arrived at the scene to extinguish the blaze.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, OA Transport Services acted promptly by dispatching an alternative vehicle to continue the journey for the stranded passengers.
The replacement bus was sent to Nsawam to transport them to their final destination in Techiman. While this gesture helped to mitigate the immediate disruption, it did little to calm the frustrations of the passengers.
Several passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the aftermath, particularly regarding the company’s communication and support.
Many are concerned about the potential loss of personal items, including cash, phones, and valuables, which were left behind on the bus during the emergency evacuation.
Some passengers alleged that there was a lack of clear information from the transport company about how the situation was being managed and what steps would be taken to address any losses sustained in the fire.
Moreover, there are calls for OA Transport Services to review its safety protocols, as passengers have questioned whether the company had sufficient preventive measures in place to handle such emergencies.
While no official statements have been made regarding compensation for lost belongings, the incident has led to growing frustration among affected passengers, who are calling for better customer service and more transparent communication from the transport company.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, passengers hope the incident serves as a wake-up call for improved safety measures within the transport sector.
