Chaos at Adugyama as residents loot rice truck after highway crash

Residents of Adugyama in the Ahafo Ano South East District rushed to salvage bags of rice after a truck carrying the goods overturned on the Sunyani–Kumasi highway.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, caused heavy traffic along the busy stretch as locals trooped to the scene. Eyewitnesses reported that while some residents attempted to rescue and secure the cargo, others engaged in looting, carrying away bags of rice from the overturned vehicle.

Police and bystanders struggled to control the crowd as dozens of people scrambled to take advantage of the situation. Some motorists expressed frustration at the congestion caused, while others described the rush as dangerous given the risk of further accidents.

It is not yet clear what caused the truck to overturn, but preliminary reports suggest the driver may have lost control while navigating a bend. No fatalities were recorded, although the driver and his mate sustained minor injuries and were taken to a nearby health facility for treatment.

The incident highlights recurring concerns about road safety on the Sunyani–Kumasi stretch, as well as the growing trend of looting goods from accident scenes across the country. Authorities have repeatedly cautioned the public against such behaviour, stressing that it not only hampers rescue operations but also poses serious risks to lives.

As investigations continue, police are urging residents to refrain from rushing to accident scenes for looting, reminding the public that such actions constitute theft under the law.