A routine attempt to fix a mechanical fault ended in tragedy on Sunday, January 4, 2026, when a driver’s assistant(mate) on a commercial Yutong bus was crushed to death at Abenbebom in Takoradi.
The deceased, identified as 39-year-old Kofi Darko, was reportedly working around the rear wheels of the parked bus when it unexpectedly moved and pinned him.
The driver of the bus, William Opoku Asare, said he was unaware that his assistant had gone to work on the vehicle at the time.
He explained that the same fault had been repaired the previous day by a mechanic, with Kofi Darko assisting.
According to Mr Opoku, he had known the deceased for about 12 years and described him as someone with a strong interest in mechanical work who often helped mechanics whenever the bus developed a problem.
He believes Kofi Darko may have assumed he could fix the issue on his own, having worked on it with a mechanic the day before.
Recounting events leading up to the incident, Mr Opoku said he had just returned from Accra with tourists to the Takoradi Harbour when the bus developed a fault.
The vehicle was taken to the Takoradi main station, where a mechanic and the assistant worked on it together.
After the repairs, the bus was driven and parked at Abenbebom. The next morning, Mr Opoku noticed that the vehicle appeared unbalanced and contacted the mechanic, who advised him to start the engine and check for a possible leak.
“We found the leak, and I decided to rest while waiting for the mechanic to arrive,” he said.
Unknown to him, Kofi Darko had gone in search of tools and attempted to fix the problem alone.
“He was working by himself around the back wheels when the bus crushed him. I was later informed by a call,” Mr Opoku recounted.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were called to the scene but found the victim already dead. Police officers later arrived to conduct preliminary investigations.
The body has been deposited at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital morgue, and the family has been informed. Mr Opoku, however, expressed concern over delays in releasing the body for burial.
He said the family, based in Kumasi, is expected to send a delegation to Takoradi to assist with investigations and facilitate the release of the body.
