Family of six swept away by floods at Esreso near Kumasi

The bodies of six family members who were swept away by flood waters Friday dawn, at Esreso near Kumasi in the Ashanti Region have been retrieved.

Local rescuers initially found five bodies before the sixth body was found afer several hours of search

They were washed away by a rushing water whilst attempting to cross the Ankonim River near Esreso in a saloon vehicle around 1am on Friday.

The floods followed a heavy downpour on Thursday which caused the Ankonim River to overflow its banks, blocking the only access route to residential areas.

The strong currents swept them away when they tried to cross, according to reports.

Reports say after about five hours of search, the five bodies were found.

According to Graphic Online's Kumasi reporter Daniel Kenu, the sixth body, has been identified by the police at Jachie as Wireko.

He was the one who was driving the vehicle which was swept away.

The deceased included a woman identified as Mercy and a pupil.

The bodies have been deposited at the Jachie government hospital morgue.

Church members of the Jehovah's Witness, where the deceased family worship thronged the police station for details.

The Esreso township was thrown into shock and a state of mourning, according to Daniel Kenu.

The six were returning from the church building site where they were trapped in the Ankonim river near Esreso in their salon vehicle.

A portion of the bridge over the river is broken.

Eyewitnesses told Graphic Online that the driver who was following a mini bus, assumed he could cross over the bridge after the bus had done so with ease.

Unfortunately, the vehilce plunged into broken half of the bridge and the rushing water swept the vehicle away.