A scene of unimaginable horror unfolded at the TMA Daycare Centre in Tema Community One on Monday afternoon, when a light aircraft crashed between two classroom blocks, claiming two lives and leaving a trail of psychological trauma among young pupils and staff.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 3:00 PM local time at the Site 17 school, during peak closing hours when teachers and parents were engaged in the daily routine of collecting children.
According to the headmistress, Florence Agbetorwosor, the school’s staff and parents present acted with remarkable speed and heroism to avert a larger catastrophe.
“At the time, teachers were handing over the children to their parents. Others were waiting to be picked up,” Ms. Agbetorwosor told Graphic Online at the scene. “When the plane came down, panic was instant. But the teachers and parents immediately rushed the children away from the danger zone and into another classroom.”
She confirmed that due to this swift evacuation, none of the pupils sustained physical injuries. However, the emotional and psychological impact has been severe, forcing the school to close its doors indefinitely.
“The children are in a state of panic, and the teachers are deeply traumatised by what they witnessed,” the headmistress stated. “We cannot reopen immediately. We are waiting for directives from the education authorities and counsellors to help us manage this shock.”
Emergency services, including the Ghana National Fire Service and the Police, swiftly cordoned off the area to secure the scene. Officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) arrived later in the day to begin their preliminary assessment.
While the official cause of the crash is yet to be determined, preliminary reports suggest the small aircraft may have been attempting an emergency landing near the Oninku School Park when it lost control.
Investigators are expected to begin the delicate process of removing the wreckage on Tuesday, March 18, as they work to uncover the factors that led to the tragedy. The names of the two deceased individuals have not been officially released pending notification of their families.
The TMA Daycare Centre remains closed as the community grapples with the shock of the disaster, with counselling support being arranged for the young survivors and the staff who shielded them from harm.
