Five persons have been confirmed dead and 20 others injured following a downpour and windstorm that hit Badu, a community in the Tain District of Bono Region, yesterday.
The deceased were among people, who were said to be taking shelter at a nearby school, when the roof of the building ripped off, killing the five persons instantly.
Reports gathered by the Ghanaian Times indicated that the incident happened during the celebration of this year’s Fordjour Yam Festival by the chiefs and people of Badu.
The injured according to reports are currently receiving treatment at the Wenchi Methodist and Tain Government Hospitals respectively.
The Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu Banahene, confirmed the story to journalists in Sunyani, the regional capital, but could not give further details about the tragedy.
She said she was going to Badu to get first-hand information and also commiserate with the bereaved families.
A resident of the area, Akwasi Owusu, speaking to the Ghanaian Times via a telephone, said that the incident happened when heavy rain accompanied by windstorm occurred during the celebration of the festival, compelling the celebrants to take cover at a nearby school.
He said the windstorm ripped of the school building killing the five people in the process.
Mr Owusu said the incident has thrown residents of Badu into a state of mourning and the bodies have been conveyed to the mortuary at Wenchi Methodist Hospital awaiting autopsy.
FROM DANIEL DZIRASAH, BADU
