A school bus carrying more than 40 pupils of Alice Elites Academy plunged into a river on Monday, June 1, 2026, killing two kindergarten children and injuring 40 others, police have confirmed.
The accident occurred on the Assin Kwafokrom-Homaho stretch in Assin South District when the driver of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus with registration number AS 2218-20 reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The bus veered off the road and fell into a river.
Victims & Response
The deceased have been identified as a 3-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl. DSP Wonder Lumor, Central North Regional MTTD Commander, said all 40 affected children were rushed to nearby health facilities immediately after the crash.
22 victims were taken to St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Fosu, while 18 others received treatment at Assin Edubiase Health Centre. DSP Lumor confirmed all 40 injured pupils responded positively to treatment and have since been discharged to their families.
Parents and relatives rushed to the hospitals and accident scene after news of the tragedy spread. Some emotionally distressed parents were seen searching for their children among the survivors.
Reactions
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection expressed “deep sorrow” over the loss, describing it as a “devastating loss to families and the school community”. The Ministry said social welfare officers will work with stakeholders to provide psychosocial support for affected pupils and families.
The tragedy has plunged the Assin Edubiase community into mourning, with grieving families and school authorities struggling to come to terms with the loss.
Investigation
Police have launched investigations to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest the driver may have lost control on the stretch, but authorities say investigations are ongoing. Police added that the school proprietor and other responsible persons could be held accountable if negligence or safety breaches are established.
The school’s authorities are yet to issue a formal communication on the incident.
