Teachers, pupils traumatised after deadly aircraft crash at Tema school

Teachers and pupils of the TMA Daycare Centre in Tema have been left traumatised following a fatal aircraft crash on the school’s premises on Monday (March 17, 2026).

The incident, which claimed two lives, occurred at Community One, Site 17, when a light aircraft crashed between two classroom blocks during school closing hours.

At the time of the crash, teachers and some parents were picking up children, while other pupils were waiting to be collected.

The headmistress of the school, Florence Agbetorwosor, told Graphic Online that the incident had left both staff and pupils in shock.

As a result, school authorities have announced the temporary closure of the facility.

“The children are in panic, and the teachers are also affected. We will not reopen immediately. We are waiting for directives from the authorities,” she said.

Swift evacuation averts casualties

She explained that panic gripped the school as the aircraft went down, prompting teachers and parents to quickly evacuate the children to safety.

According to her, the staff acted promptly to prevent any casualties among the pupils.

“The teachers and parents rushed the children into another classroom immediately after the crash. They were all scared, but thankfully none of the children was injured,” she added.

Emotional impact

Despite the successful evacuation, Ms Agbetorwosor said the emotional toll on both staff and pupils had been significant, with many of the children still shaken by the incident.

Preliminary information suggests the aircraft may have lost control while attempting to land near the Oninku School Park, although officials have yet to confirm the exact cause.

Emergency services have since secured the area, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, who visited the crash site on Monday, are expected to provide further updates as they assess the situation and begin removing the wreckage on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.