Chinedum Elekwachi
Six persons, including four women lost their lives while five others sustained varying degrees of injury in a ghastly motor accident in Nawfia along Awka–Onitsha old road in Anambra state.
The crash which occured on Friday at 06:20pm, involved two vehicles, tipper truck and a red 608 bus with 32 persons on board.
An eyewitness, one of the passengers in the bus, said they were traveling from Ebonyi State to Onitsha after attending a burial organized by the Catholic Women Organization (CWO).
He blamed the crash on the driver’s recklessness, including dangerous overtaking.
“The driver had been driving recklessly, with several dangerous overtaking probably to make up for lost time. It was this particular overtaking that led to the collision with the tipper,” he lamented.
State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Bridget Asekhauno confirmed the crash.
She said the deceased had been deposited at the morgue while the injured are receiving treatment at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku.
Condolences to deceased families
While sympathizing with the deceased families, the Sector commander prayed for quick recovery of the injured.
Asekhauno urged motorists to respect traffic laws, avoid aggressive overtaking and to prioritize safety for all road users.
She said, “The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) RS5.3 Awka responded to a fatal crash on the Awka–Onitsha Road at the Nawfia axis.
“The incident occurred at approximately 06:20 hours involving two vehicles – a yellow-and-black tipper truck with registration number FGG 21XV and a red 608 bus registration XQ 398 AA).
“The total number of people involved was 32, comprising 9 male adults and 23 female adults.
“The collision resulted in six fatalities—two male adults and four female adults. 5 female adults sustained injuries, and 21 people were rescued unhurt.
They took all victims to the Teaching Hospital Amaku-Awka where where medical staff confirmed the deaths.
According to the release, FRSC officers have since cleared the road obstruction and restored normal traffic flow.
“This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and urge all motorists to respect traffic laws, avoid aggressive overtaking, and prioritize safety for all road users.
“The FRSC reaffirms its commitment to enforcing traffic laws, educating the public on road safety and providing quick aid to crash victims.”
