Tragedy struck in Tema on Monday afternoon when a small aircraft crashed and burst into flames near a school park at Community One, killing two people on board.
The incident occurred at the Oninku Drive School Park at Site 17, close to the TMA Daycare, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting a swift emergency response.
Emergency Response Contained Fire
Personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service quickly arrived at the scene to contain the fire and secure the area.
Divisional Officer II Ebenezer Yenzu, Tema Regional Public Relations Officer of the Fire Service, confirmed that firefighters received a distress call at approximately 12:59 p.m.
“We realised that there was a blazing fire involving a chopper that had fallen just close to the wall of the pre-school,” he stated.
Firefighters, with support from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, successfully extinguished the flames and cordoned off the area to prevent further danger.
Two Confirmed Dead, No School Casualties
Authorities confirmed that two men on board the aircraft lost their lives in the crash. Their bodies have since been retrieved and transported to the morgue for preservation and autopsy.
In a fortunate turn, no children or staff from the nearby daycare centre were injured. Teachers and pupils had evacuated the premises before emergency responders arrived.
“None of the students or teachers got injured,” Mr Yenzu confirmed.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Sudden Descent
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the white aircraft hovering moments before it suddenly descended. Residents rushed to the scene in an attempt to help.
One eyewitness, Sadik Abdulai, said community members used water from a nearby poly tank to control the flames before firefighters arrived.
“Our priority was to move the children away from the flames,” he said.
Investigation Underway
The crash site has been secured as authorities begin investigations into the cause of the accident. Officials have identified the aircraft registration number as 9G-ADV, though its origin and flight details remain unknown.
Investigators are expected to collaborate with aviation experts to determine what led to the crash.
Community in Shock
The incident has left residents of Tema Community One in shock, raising concerns about aviation safety, especially in densely populated areas near schools.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
