18 people confirmed dead in Kintampo waterfall disaster

Eighteen persons are confirmed dead at the Kintampo Waterfalls in the Brong Ahafo region after the trees crashed on them following a heavy storm on Sunday.

According to the eyewitnesses, the heavy trees fell from the top of the waterfalls and landed on the people, mostly students who had gone to swim.

Officials of the Ghana National Fire Service and the Police including other disaster management officials have been to the disaster scene in a rescue
effort.

“A huge tree fell at the top when the rains began and crashed the revelers,” an eyewitness told Starr News. “So far we have counted 16 people.”

“Most of them are students of the Wenchi Senior High School. Others are tourists. We are trying to save those who are trapped by cutting the trees with chainsaws.”

The Kintampo Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent, Desmond Owusu Boampong has confirmed the incident and the death toll.

Several others have been rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The fire officer speaking to Abusua Fm said, 17 people were dead yesterday and today one person have also confirmed dead rise the death to 18 people and 20 people severely injured and admitted to the hospital.

The Kintampo Waterfalls is located on the Pumpum river, a tributary of the Black Volta, about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) north of Kintampo municipality, on the Kumasi-Tamale road.