A tragic accident on the Oti River has claimed the lives of 15 mourners after a canoe they were travelling in capsized in the Krachi West District of the Oti Region.
Eyewitnesses say the victims were heading to a funeral when water began seeping into the canoe between Okuma-Akura and Debume on Saturday, October 11, 2025. In an attempt to scoop the water out, one of the passengers reportedly dropped the container they were using, triggering panic and instability that caused the vessel to overturn.
The Assembly Member for the area confirmed the incident to Adom News, stating that about 21 people were on board at the time.
Fifteen people were confirmed dead, while six others were rescued and taken to hospital for treatment. The survivors have since been discharged.
The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Worawora Government Hospital for autopsy.
In a shocking revelation, reports indicate that the canoe was being operated by a 14-year-old boy, raising fresh concerns about safety regulations on river transport in the area.
The tragedy has plunged the entire community into mourning as families and friends struggle to come to terms with the devastating loss.
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