A quiet journey to farm fields turned into a scene of unimaginable horror yesterday morning in the Western North Region, claiming six lives and leaving a community in shock and mourning.

The fatal incident occurred on the road between Asuopiri and Adabokrom, near the community of Asikuma. According to preliminary reports, eight individuals were traveling together on a single tricycle, locally known as an aboboyaa, a common mode of transport in rural areas. They were en route from Asuopiri in the Bia West District to their farms in Adabokrom, Bia East District.

The tragedy struck at a hilly section of the road. A timber truck, traveling from the opposite direction (Adabokrom), is reported to have lost control. It then collided head-on with the heavily laden tricycle. The force of the impact was catastrophic.

The Immediate Aftermath
Six of the tricycle passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. One other individual survived the collision but sustained critical, life-threatening injuries. This survivor was urgently transported to the Assamu Government Hospital for emergency medical treatment.

In a confounding twist, eyewitnesses report that the tricycle rider managed to jump from the vehicle moments before the collision. His current whereabouts are unknown. Concerned youth from the surrounding communities have organized search parties to locate him and ascertain his condition.

Response and Investigation
Following the accident, the driver of the timber truck presented himself to the Dabeso District Police Command. Law enforcement officials have since visited the crash site to conduct an initial assessment. The bodies of the deceased have been conveyed to a hospital morgue for preservation and identification.

The police have officially launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident. Investigators will likely examine factors such as the mechanical condition of both vehicles, road conditions on the incline, driver error, and the issue of overloading on the tricycle.

This devastating event casts a stark light on the perennial issues of road safety, particularly on rural routes where overcrowded transport and challenging road geometry can create a deadly mix. As the community of Asikuma and the surrounding districts grapple with this profound loss, the search for answers—and for the missing rider—continues.