Tragedy struck Badu, a community situated in the Tain District of the Bono Region, as heavy rainfall claimed the lives of five individuals.
These unfortunate fatalities occurred when a severe rainstorm tore off the roof of a classroom where they had sought shelter during the downpour on Monday, October 30, 2023.
Among the deceased, three have been identified as Osei Kwame (known as Patoo), aged 30, Mensah Hayford, aged 15, and Koo Prince, aged 18, while the remaining two victims remain unidentified.
Residents of the area reported that the victims were tragically pronounced dead at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital after the distressing incident.
According to eyewitnesses who recounted the harrowing tale to OTEC News Reporter Jacob Agyenim Boateng, “Chiefs of Badu Football had organised a football game for the community’s youth.
However, heavy rain disrupted the game, prompting most of the participants to seek shelter in one of the classrooms at the Badu Roman Catholic Basic School.”
“While waiting for the rains to stop, the storm shook the foundations of the building and ripped off the roof. The people in the building vamoosed out of fear but some of them were crushed by the roof, leading to their deaths,” one of the residents, Richard Nana Poku, said.
Police in the area are currently investigating the incident.
Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive for the area, Hon. Dr. Lucy Acheampong, has visited the community to commiserate with them.