Emmanuel Yasan Shares Heartbreaking Account of Family's Tragic Accident
Emmanuel Yasan, husband of Helena Yasan, who tragically lost her life alongside four others when their car plunged into the Owabi River, has recounted the devastating events surrounding the incident.
In a video aired on Angel FM on October 30, 2024, Emmanuel, a butcher, described his last moments with his wife and children. He explained that he had spoken to Helena earlier that morning, informing her of his plans to travel to Accra for his brother’s ordination. Before leaving for the farm to gather supplies for his customers, he bid her farewell.
Emmanuel learned of the accident through one of his workers, who informed him that a vehicle had gone off the road and into the river. He recounted the challenges faced during the rescue efforts, particularly the high water levels preventing swift action. Attempts to contact emergency services were met with difficulties.
“I called one of my workers who was near the river, and I rushed to help with the rescue because my wife, being a driver, would never pass by without stopping to assist. The water was high, and despite calling the fire service and police, no one responded,” he said.
Feeling an urgent need to reach his wife, Emmanuel tried calling her but received no answer. He then went to the children’s school, only to find they were not there either.
“I assumed her phone battery had died because there was a blackout the night before. After not finding her at work or the school, I returned to the river where the accident happened,” he recalled.
Community members later performed traditional rites, which enabled rescue teams to recover the vehicle. “They conducted rituals in the water, allowing the team to retrieve the car. My worker tied a rope to pull it out, but we couldn’t manage. Eventually, the fire service arrived and assisted. When I saw a sack of animal feed in the car, I realized it was my wife’s vehicle. They brought her and my children out, but they were all gone,” he shared sorrowfully.
Background of the Incident
On October 29, 2024, the bodies of five individuals, including a mother and her children, were recovered from the Owabi River after their car veered off the road. The Opel saloon car was reportedly traveling from Dabaa to Akropong in the Ashanti Region when it overturned and crashed into the river.
The deceased included 40-year-old seamstress Helena Yasan, her two daughters—10-year-old Lordina and 5-year-old Doreen Yasan—along with two other passengers: 28-year-old plumber Boamah Gyasi Eric and 41-year-old teacher Rita Agyare.
After local and National Disaster Management Authority (NADMO) rescue efforts, the bodies were taken to the Mount Sinai morgue, and authorities have initiated an investigation into the accident.
Watch video below