Forklift crushes trader to death at Asokwa Brewery

A young pawpaw vendor, identified as Jennifer, tragically lost her life on Monday, September 21, 2026, when a forklift lost control and collided with roadside traders at the Brewery Traffic Light in the Asokwa Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The incident unfolded around 9:00 a.m., as Jennifer was among other vendors selling fruit near the busy intersection.

Eyewitnesses reported that the forklift, en route from Asokwa towards Atonsu, experienced a brake failure. According to accounts, the driver struggled to maintain control of the heavy-duty vehicle as it approached the traffic light, veering towards the traders. Fellow trader Ama Sefa, who had moved away from the road when the traffic light changed, witnessed the forklift suddenly approaching them.

The driver desperately shouted about the brakes failing as he attempted to regain control of the machine. Sefa managed to escape the scene, but Jennifer was struck and dragged by the forklift, resulting in her immediate death. The event caused widespread panic among traders and motorists, who quickly responded to the scene upon hearing the commotion.

Police from the Asokwa Divisional Command arrived promptly to calm the crowd, manage traffic, and commence investigations. The forklift was subsequently impounded by the authorities. The driver is reported to have fled the scene following the accident and is now being sought. The body of Jennifer was taken to the morgue for preservation and autopsy.