19 people have died and others injured after a huge tree fell on them at the Kintampo waterfalls. Emergency officials said victims were swimming during a storm when the tree was brought down.

Ghana National Fire Service Spokesperson, Prince Billy Anaglate said the scene of the incident is in the Brong-Ahafo region.

An eyewitness told Ghana’s Star news, that “most of the victims are students of the Wenchi Senior High School. Others are tourists. We are trying to save those who are trapped by cutting the trees with a chainsaw.”

19 students have so far died while 22 others are being treated, according to Star News.

Ghana’s former president, John Mahama in a tweet consoled with the families of the victims, he tweeted; “very sad news of tragic deaths at the Kintampo waterfalls. Sincerest condolences to families of the victims.”

“We extend our condolences to the families of the dead and pray for the injured,” Ghana’s tourism minister, Catherine Abelema Afeku said.

The Kintampo Waterfalls is on the Pumpum river, a tributary of the Black Volta, about 4 kilometres north of the Kintampo municipality, Kumasi-Tamale road.