- Helena Yasan and four others lost their lives
- Emmanuel Yasan detailed the challenges faced during rescue efforts
- Local residents performed traditional rites that aided in recovering the submerged vehicle and the victims' bodies
Emmanuel Yasan, husband of the late Helena Yasan, who tragically lost her life along with four others when their car plunged into the Owabi River, has opened up about the devastating incident.
In a heartfelt video interview, Emmanuel, a butcher, recounted his final moments with his family on the day of the accident.
“I spoke to my wife that morning, telling her I was heading to Accra for my brother’s ordination. I left to gather supplies for my customers and said my goodbyes,” he explained.
Emmanuel learned of the accident from a worker who alerted him to a car that had veered off the road and into the river. He described the desperate rescue attempts, noting the challenges posed by high water levels and the lack of immediate emergency response.
“I rushed to the river after hearing about the crash, knowing my wife wouldn’t just pass by without helping anyone in trouble. We tried to contact the fire service and police, but there was no response,” he said.
Despite feeling a strong urge to call his wife, he couldn’t reach her. When he visited their children’s school and found them absent, he returned to the river.
“I assumed her phone was dead due to a blackout the night before. After not finding her at work or the school, I went back to the scene,” he recounted.
Local community members performed traditional rites that facilitated the recovery of the submerged vehicle. Emmanuel recalled, “When I saw a sack of animal feed in the car, I realized it was hers. They eventually recovered her and our children’s bodies.”
The tragic incident, which occurred on October 29, 2024, claimed the lives of five individuals, including Helena and her two daughters, as well as two other passengers. The Opel saloon car had overturned while traveling from Dabaa to Akropong in the Ashanti Region.
The deceased have been identified as seamstress Helena Yasan, 40; plumber Boamah Gyasi Eric, 28; teacher Rita Agyare, 41; and Helena’s daughters, 10-year-old Lordina and 5-year-old Doreen.
Following the recovery efforts led by the National Disaster Management Authority (NADMO) and local volunteers, the bodies were taken to Mount Sinai morgue. Authorities have since initiated an investigation into the accident.
