Forklift kills roadside pawpaw seller at Asokwa Brewery

A young roadside trader lost her life in a tragic accident on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the Asokwa Brewery Traffic Light intersection in the Ashanti Region. Identified only as Jennifer, the deceased was a well-known pawpaw seller at the busy intersection. The incident occurred when a forklift traveling from Asokwa towards Atonsu reportedly suffered a brake failure, causing it to lose control and head towards a group of traders operating by the roadside.

Eyewitnesses, including fellow trader Ama Sefa, recounted the harrowing scene. As the light turned green, they moved away from the road and stood by the side to wait for the traffic to stop. However, the forklift, driven by an operator who had shouted that its brakes had failed, approached at top speed. Ama Sefa managed to jump to safety, while Jennifer was trapped, dragged by the forklift, and died at the scene.

The driver fled the scene immediately after the accident and is currently at large. Police sources confirm he has been impounded. The Asokwa Divisional Police Command arrived at the scene to control the crowd and manage the standstill traffic. The body of the deceased has been taken to the morgue for preservation and autopsy. Police are actively seeking the driver to assist with their investigations.

The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of traders operating at major intersections in Kumasi.