A routine school trip nearly turned tragic on Friday, November 28, when a bus carrying 83 students and five teachers from Wesley Grammar School suddenly caught fire at the Kasoa Tollbooth. The frightening incident occurred just moments after passengers noticed smoke billowing from the vehicle, prompting a swift and coordinated evacuation effort. Thankfully, despite the intensity of the blaze, every student and teacher escaped without injury.
According to Richard Boafo, the sports teacher who accompanied the students, the group was traveling to Ngleshie Amanfro Senior High School to participate in a sporting event. He recalled that the trip had been smooth until a faint smell of smoke alerted the teachers. Within seconds, he realized that the situation was escalating quickly. Acting decisively, he instructed all passengers to exit the bus immediately.
Boafo explained that the rapid response played a crucial role in preventing casualties. “Once we saw the smoke, we directed the students to move out without hesitation. Thankfully, all 83 students and five teachers escaped safely. Unfortunately, the bus was completely destroyed by the fire,” he told Citi News.
Eyewitnesses at the Kasoa Tollbooth watched in shock as flames engulfed the vehicle, reducing it to ashes within minutes. Several commuters and tollbooth workers rushed to assist, ensuring the students were moved a safe distance away from the burning bus. Emergency services later arrived to extinguish the fire, but the vehicle had already suffered total damage.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but school authorities and relevant agencies are expected to launch investigations to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, parents and guardians have expressed relief that their children survived such a terrifying ordeal.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety preparedness, quick thinking, and the calm coordination of teachers during emergencies. Although the loss of the bus is unfortunate, the preservation of every life aboard remains the greatest outcome of the day.
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