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A young roadside trader identified only as Jennifer has died after a forklift reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into traders at Brewery Traffic Light in the Asokwa Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday, September 21, 2026, at about 9:00 a.m., leaving traders and eyewitnesses distressed.
Jennifer, who was a well-known pawpaw seller at the busy intersection, reportedly died at the scene after being struck by the heavy-duty machine.
According to eyewitness accounts, the forklift was travelling from Asokwa towards Atonsu when it allegedly experienced brake failure and veered off its lane as it approached the traffic light.
The machine reportedly headed towards a group of traders operating along the roadside.
Ama Sefa, a fellow trader and friend of the deceased, said they were both selling their goods near the intersection when the incident occurred.
She explained that when the traffic light turned green, they moved away from the road and stood by the roadside, waiting for traffic to stop again before continuing their sales.
Ama Sefa said they suddenly noticed the forklift approaching at high speed.
“It was at that moment that we saw the forklift coming towards us at top speed. The driver was shouting that his brakes had failed,” she recounted.
She said she managed to jump out of the way, but Jennifer was struck by the machine.
According to her account, Jennifer became trapped beneath the forklift and sustained fatal injuries.
Other eyewitnesses reportedly corroborated the account, describing the scene as chaotic and distressing.
Traders and motorists rushed to the scene in an attempt to help the victim, but she had already died by the time assistance was provided.
Forklift driver reportedly flees scene
Police sources indicate that the driver of the forklift fled the scene immediately after the accident and is currently being sought by authorities.
The machine has reportedly been impounded as investigations continue.
Personnel from the Asokwa Divisional Police Command arrived shortly after the incident to control the crowd and manage traffic, which had reportedly come to a standstill.
The body of the deceased was subsequently conveyed to the morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Police say efforts are underway to apprehend the driver to assist with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Concerns over roadside trading safety
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of traders who operate close to busy roads and major intersections in Kumasi.
Brewery Traffic Light is among the areas where roadside traders conduct business, often close to moving vehicles.
The death of Jennifer has brought renewed attention to the risks faced by traders who depend on roadside sales for their livelihoods.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported brake failure and determine the events leading to the fatal crash.
As investigations continue, the forklift driver remains reportedly at large, while the family, friends and fellow traders of Jennifer mourn her death.
The information about the brake failure and the driver’s actions is based on preliminary reports and eyewitness accounts.
