Two people — a mother and her child — have died instantly, while several others sustained injuries and were hospitalised after a trailer lost control and crashed into a commercial vehicle at the Ulasi River Bridge, Okija Junction, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
City Round learnt that the crash happened late on Thursday when the trailer driver reportedly suffered brake failure and rammed into a Toyota Hiace bus on the bridge, leading to multiple casualties.
According to some eyewitnesses and residents in the area, the bus, which was travelling from Upper Iweka to Owerri, had been stopped by touts allegedly collecting revenue when the trailer’s brakes failed and struck the vehicle from behind.
A video from the scene, shared on social media, showed the wrecked vehicle with passers-by and pedestrians frantically attempting to rescue trapped victims.
One eyewitness, Ibeabuchi Edeoga, said, “The accident was caused by touts who blocked the road and were collecting revenue from commercial drivers. But unfortunately, a trailer truck that was on speed failed to brake and ran over the bus, killing two people, a woman and her child instantly.
“Many passengers involved in the accident were rushed to a nearby hospital. But all of the victims were unconscious when they were taken to the hospital. But as of this morning, some victims have died.”
Another witness, Uchenna Odinaka, added, “I was heading home when the incident happened. It could have been more disastrous, but the railings by the bridge stopped the truck from going further to hitting other vehicles and road users.
“It happened during the rush hours when everyone was trying to get home. The trailer driver and the motor boy were rescued. Two people died on the spot, while several others who were unconscious were rushed to a nearby hospital.”
When contacted on Friday, the spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra Sector, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the accident but said the actual casualty figure was yet to be determined.
“Yes, we received the report of the accident, but we are still investigating the cause of the crash and will issue a statement with information soon.”
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