A tragic hit-and-run accident occurred on the Kanda Highway on the night of Tuesday, October 8, when a motorist driving a Toyota V8 struck and killed a pedestrian before fleeing the scene. The accident, which took place around 8:30 pm, has left residents and local authorities reeling as yet another fatal incident adds to a growing list of accidents along the poorly lit stretch of road.
Eyewitness Shaibu Danjuma, who was present at the scene, recounted the shocking moment when the driver, after initially stopping following the collision, quickly drove away. According to Danjuma, the motorist’s brief pause seemed like an indication of responsibility, but the subsequent flight from the scene left onlookers stunned. The driver’s abrupt departure left no opportunity for any attempt at aid or accountability, as the pedestrian was left fatally injured in the aftermath.
The incident caused significant congestion along the Kanda Highway, as drivers and passersby were forced to navigate around the site of the collision. Traffic slowed to a crawl as police officers arrived on the scene to manage the situation and begin an investigation into the hit-and-run. The identity of the victim has yet to be determined, and their body was transported by the police to an undisclosed mortuary.
Local residents who spoke to Citi News expressed frustration and concern about the ongoing dangers posed by the lack of proper street lighting on the Kanda Highway. They noted that the absence of adequate lighting is a major factor contributing to the frequent accidents along this route. According to them, this latest accident is just one of many that have occurred in recent months, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures in the area. The darkness that engulfs the road at night, they said, not only makes it difficult for motorists to see pedestrians but also increases the likelihood of accidents and dangerous driving behaviors, as drivers often speed without being able to see hazards ahead.
For those living near the Kanda Highway, the regular occurrence of accidents has become an unfortunate part of their daily lives. The lack of streetlights, combined with the high volume of traffic and frequent pedestrian crossings, creates a hazardous environment that puts both drivers and pedestrians at risk. As more lives are lost in preventable accidents, calls for action have intensified, with residents pleading for authorities to take the necessary steps to prevent further tragedies.
The hit-and-run incident on Tuesday has sparked a renewed conversation about road safety and the need for better infrastructure on some of Accra’s busiest roads. The Kanda Highway, a key route connecting several parts of the city, sees heavy traffic throughout the day and into the night. The absence of basic safety features such as streetlights not only endangers pedestrians but also puts drivers at risk of accidents, particularly in low-visibility conditions.
Authorities have been urged to address the safety concerns raised by residents, who say they have been calling for improvements to the highway for some time. The installation of streetlights and the implementation of traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps and crosswalks could go a long way in reducing the frequency of accidents and making the road safer for everyone who uses it.
While investigations into the hit-and-run continue, police are calling on any witnesses or individuals with information about the driver of the Toyota V8 to come forward. They are hopeful that with the assistance of the public, they will be able to identify the driver and hold them accountable for their actions. Hit-and-run accidents are a serious offense, and the driver in this case could face significant legal consequences if apprehended.
For now, the community around Kanda Highway mourns the loss of another life due to preventable road safety issues. As the victim remains unidentified, their family has yet to be notified of the tragedy, adding to the sorrow and uncertainty surrounding the case. The lack of streetlights and the high risk of accidents have placed a heavy burden on both residents and authorities, who must work together to find solutions before more lives are lost.
In the wake of the incident, local leaders and advocacy groups are expected to renew their efforts to push for better road safety measures. Whether through petitions, community meetings, or direct appeals to government agencies, the people of Kanda are determined to see change. For them, the loss of life on their roads is unacceptable, and they believe that only through decisive action can future accidents be prevented.
As investigations into the Kanda Highway hit-and-run continue, it is clear that the issue of road safety must be a priority for both the authorities and the public. Without the necessary infrastructure improvements and enforcement of traffic laws, the cycle of accidents and fatalities is likely to continue, putting more lives at risk on the roads of Accra.
