Ghanaian Camporee Attendees Saved From Burning Bus
10 January 2024 |
A group of 50 Pathfinders and their leaders from the New Tafo Adventist Church in Kumasi experienced a miraculous escape from potential tragedy on Sunday, December 24th, according to an article by the West-Central Africa Division. While en route to a week-long Pathfinder camporee in Accra, their bus caught fire, resulting in the loss of personal belongings but, remarkably, no injuries.
The journey began with high spirits as the young delegates, aged between 10-15, looked forward to attending the fourth West African Division Pathfinder Camporee in Accra, scheduled from December 24-31. Raphael Kusi, leader of the Old Tafo Youth Ministries, reflected on the initial excitement of the trip. “The day started normal with enthusiasm and the vibes of coming to Accra, the big capital city of Ghana to participate in the camporee was all the Pathfinders were looking forward to,” he said.
However, the trip soon turned into a harrowing experience. The bus encountered mechanical issues with its brakes and tires, leading to an unexpected stop. “We started the journey at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday December 24. We faced numerous challenges with the brake and tyre of the bus a few hours later. But these were fixed, and the journey continued,” Mr. Kusi explained.
The situation escalated when the children on board started noticing the smell of smoke, prompting the driver to stop and inspect the vehicle. It was then discovered that one of the tires was on fire and was able to get the children off the bus. The fire rapidly engulfed the bus, burning all the personal effects of the campers.
A viral video capturing the incident showed the children’s shock and fear as they watched their belongings being consumed by the flames. Despite the loss, the group’s spirits remained unbroken. They continued their journey to the camporee, thanks to the help of union directors, pastors, friends, and members of the Old Tafo church.
Pastor Abraham Kofi Anane, the Ashanti Central Conference Youth Director, described the event as nothing short of a miracle. “I can say that if you see the situation, the bus and the bushes around there were all burning and yet no child was hurt, I can only say, it’s God,” he remarked.
The Pathfinders, although shaken, continued their trip to the camporee in alternate buses. “We believe that God called his angels to duty to protect each and everyone including those who attempted saving their bags,” Mr. Kusi concluded. The campers returned home safely on December 31.
