Multiple auto-crash claims 11 lives in Anambra

Eleven people were confirmed dead on Boxing Day, in an accident involving three cars on Agulu Lake Bridge by Awka-Ekwulobia Road in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The State’s Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, confirming the incident to journalists in Awka, said that the accident occurred at about 5.00 pm on Sunday.

Irelewuyi reported that 20 persons were involved in the accident, which was caused by speed and wrongful overtaking.

“The crash involved a Mack truck with no registration number and a Mitsubishi L300 bus marked XA 857 UMN, carrying 14 passengers,” Irelewuyi said.

“While the third vehicle involved in the accident is a Hijet Shuttle bus, with registration number UMZ23XC, occupied by five persons.

“A witness report indicates that the driver of the Mitsubishi Bus was speeding and when he overtook wrongfully, collided with the truck and went into flames, while the shuttle bus ran into the already collided vehicles,” he said.

Irelewuyi said that four people, including a female child and three male adults rescued alive, were later confirmed dead at St. Joseph Hospital, Agulu.

He added that the passengers in the Mitsubishi bus were trapped in the fire where seven people were burnt beyond recognition, while five passengers in the shuttle bus were rescued alive and unhurt.

According to him, their corpses were deposited at the hospital morgue.

He said that the FRSC rescue team from Nanka were on the ground to divert traffic, adding that efforts were being made to evacuate the burnt bodies and clear the obstruction caused by the accident.

The Sector Commander, who condoled with the families of the dead victims, urged motorists to make sure that the road was free and safe before overtaking.

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