Tragic! Eleven Travellers Burnt to Death in Anambra

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By Izunna Okafor, Awka

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It was heartrending, as eleven (11) travellers got trapped and burnt beyond recognition in another fatal crash that occurred at Agulu Lake Bridge, Anambra State.

The Ag. Sector Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Anambra State Sector Command, DRC Margaret B. Onabe disclosed this in a statement to newsmen in Awka, in which she also revealed that the horrendous crash happened on December, 26, 2021 along the Awka-ekwulobia Road.

According to her, the crash, which occurred at about 4:39 PM involved three vehicles, which include: Mack Truck (without registration number);  L300 Bus: (with the registration number: XA857UMN) and which has about 14 passengers inside; and Shuttle Bus (with the registration number: UMZ23XC).

She also explained that the probable cause of the fatal crash was wrongful overtaking and excessive speed; as eyewitness reports showed how the driver of the L300 was on speed, wrongly overtook, and collided with the Mack Truck, while the shuttle bus ran into the already collided vehicles.

DRC Onabe further explained that a total of 20 persons were involved in the crash, among whom 11 persons (comprising 3 male adults, 1 female child and 7 people) were trapped inside the L300 bus and burnt beyond recognition); 4 persons (comprising 2 male adults, and 2 female adults) were injured; while 5 passengers from the hijet bus were rescued alive and unhurt.

She said: “The injured victims were rushed to St. Joseph Hospital, where 4 were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty and their corpses deposited at the hospital morgue.

“The FRSC rescue team from Nanka are on ground managing the situation, diverting traffic because the bridge is blocked, and effort is being made to evacuate the burnt bodies; waiting for tow truck to clear obstuction caused by the crash.

“The Sector Commander Anambra State, Corps Commander Adeoye Irelewuyi, sympathized with the families of the dead victims and wished the injured victims quick recovery.

“He urged motoring public to ensure the road is clear before overtaking and also maintain stipulated speed limits."