Tragic Multiple Road Accident Claims Lives In Anambra State: 8 Feared Dead, 12 Injured

Tragic Multiple Road Accident Claims Lives in Anambra State: 8 Feared Dead, 12 Injured

In a devastating incident that shook the Umunya Odumodu Junction along the Nteje-Awka Expressway in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, a multiple road accident has resulted in the loss of lives and injuries to several individuals. The tragic event occurred on a fateful Saturday afternoon, at approximately 12:40 pm, involving two heavy-duty trucks, a Sienna commercial bus, a black Toyota car, and another unidentified commercial vehicle.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the commercial vehicles were en route from Onitsha to Enugu when the collision took place. Most of the victims involved were passengers traveling in the commercial vehicles. Preliminary investigations have indicated that the cause of the accident was attributed to overspeeding and recklessness displayed by one of the drivers of the heavy-duty trucks.

A tricycle operator, who witnessed the harrowing event, shared his account, saying, “I was waiting for passengers when I suddenly saw a trailer coming from Onitsha with a high speed. Immediately it approached the Odumodu Junction, the driver lost control of the vehicle, unable to apply the brakes effectively. As a result, the trailer crashed into an incoming vehicle in between a bus filled with passengers. Unfortunately, we have already counted eight casualties from the commercial vehicles, and there is still one person trapped.”

The acting Sector Public Education Officer of the Anambra State command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Margaret B Onabe, confirmed the incident in an official statement. Onabe disclosed that five unidentified drivers were involved in the fatal crash, citing overspeeding as the probable cause.

She further clarified that only one fatality had been reported thus far, while 12 individuals with varying degrees of injuries had been promptly transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.

Providing additional details, Onabe stated, “The driver of the truck with registration number LSD 339 XA lost control as a result of speed, thereby causing multiple collisions involving four other vehicles. A total of 26 persons, including 20 male adults and six female adults, were involved in the crash. Out of the injured victims, nine male adults and three female adults, totaling 12, were admitted for treatment. Tragically, one male adult lost his life, while 13 individuals escaped unhurt.”

Efforts are currently underway to extricate the trapped body from beneath the wreckage, with the assistance of the fire service team that has been summoned to the scene to prevent any potential fire outbreak. The FRSC, along with the Anambra Sector Command, is actively engaged in traffic control operations and the clearance of the accident site to minimize further disruption.

The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Adeoye Irelewuyi, and the Head of Operations, DCC Okora Awassam, have already visited the crash scene to assess the situation and coordinate the rescue operations.

Expressing condolences to the family of the deceased victim and wishing a swift recovery to those injured, the Anambra State Sector Commander emphasized the importance of responsible driving. He sternly cautioned motorists to avoid excessive speeding and emphasized the need to adhere to safe driving practices to protect their lives and the lives of fellow road users. The call to action echoed the imperative to prioritize road safety and embrace the shared responsibility of ensuring safer journeys for all.