2 Die, 14 Injured in Anambra Multiple Crash, Driver Flees

By Izunna Okafor

Two persons have reportedly died, while fourteen others sustained varied degrees of injury in a multiple crash that occurred in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The Ag. Sector Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Command, DRC Margaret B. Onabe disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday in a statement signed on behalf of the State's Sector Commander, Corps Commander Adeoye Irelewuyi.

According to her, the crash, which occurred on Sunday at Asaba Park, Upper Iweka along Awka—Onitsha Expressway, involved five vehicles, which include Daf Truck (with registration number XC 416 PK), Daf Truck (with registration number DTF 249 XA), Toyota Hiace Bus (with registration number FGG 929 ZD); Toyota Hiace Bus (with registration number XB 994 GBK); and Lincolin Jeep (with registration number RSH 450 BM).

She further revealed that the fatal crash occurred at about 13:15hours, and could be attributed to brake failure.

The statement reads: “According to an eyewitnes account, the DAF truck driver with registration number: XC 416 PK lost control as a result of brake failure and rammed into other vehicles in his front, and finally crashed into the gutter, and the driver took to his hills after the crash.

“22 people (compromising 13 male adults, 7 female adults 1 male child, and 1 female child) were involved in the crash."

While noting that two male adults died in the crash, she also explained that a total number of fourteen persons (comprising seven male adults and seven female adults) were also injured.

She said, “As at the time of filing this report, the injured victims were rushed to Toronto Hospital Borromeo, by the FRSC rescue team, where 2 male adults were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty. The dead victims were deposited at the hospital's mortuary. FRSC tow truck is on ground for removal of obsruction.

“The Sector Commander Anambra State, Corps Commander Adeoye Irelewuyi, commiserates with the family of the dead victims, and wishes the injured victims quick recovery.

“He urged motoring public to regularly service their vehicles and ensure their vehicles comply to minimal safety standard before hitting the road.”