Tragic: Two die, twelve critically injured in Anambra auto crash

This is an updated on our earlier report on the ghastly motor accident that occurred Friday morning around Bako Hotel at the Ihiala axis of the Onitsha-Owerri expressway in Anambra State.

Giving details of the incident to THE DAILY VENDOR in a statement, the Sector Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra State, RC Pascal A. Anigbo, said the tragic accident involved a Tipper and a loaded commercial bus.

Anigbo added that the crash happened at the early hours of Friday, adding that it was during a heavy downpour.

He however attributed the crash to over speeding and loss of control.

The FRSC image maker in Anambra disclosed that twelve of the fourteen occupants of the commercial vehicle sustained serious injuries and were rushed to two separate hospitals, while two, including the bus driver whose leg was amputated in the crash was confirmed dead by doctors at the hospital.

Anigbo said “At about 7.10am today Friday 22 May, 2020 we received information about a ‘fatal’ Road Traffic Crash near Bako Hotel along Ihiala axis of the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway. The crash involved a tipper without registration number and a commercial bus with registration number NEN59XQ.

“Further information reaching us reveals that the crash which occurred in the early hours of the day was caused by Over-Speeding and Loss of Control. According to an eyewitness, the tipper driver was negotiating into his house when the bus suddenly rammed into it. The crash occurred during a heavy downpour.

“Casualties: A total of Fifteen people (10 adult males and 5 adult females) were involved in the crash. Twelve (12) people sustained serious injuries, out of which Seven (7) were rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital while the other Five (5) victims were rushed to God’s Favour Hospital Okohia, both in Ihiala town.
As at the time of filling this report, Two (2) victims, the driver whose leg was amputated in the crash and another victim had been confirmed dead by doctors at the hospital.

“The rescue operation was jointly carried out by operatives of the NPF, DSS, FRSC and NSCDC. The obstruction caused was also cleared to ease movement of other vehicles.

“The Sector Commander Federal Road Safety Corps Anambra State, CC Andrew A. Kumapayi, strongly warns road users to obey the (8pm to 6am) curfew laid down by the Federal Government, to curb the spread of the ravaging corona virus. He equally admonishes drivers to shun over-speeding and drive defensively at all times, as failure to adhere to obey stipulated road safety rules and regulations can only lead to avoidable road traffic mishaps,” RC Anigbo said.