Eleven people were confirmed dead Sunday in an accident involving three vehicles on the Agulu Lake Bridge along Awka-Ekwulobia Road in the Anaocha local government area of Anambra state.
Adeoye Irelewuyi, the sector commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra, while confirming the incident to reporters in Awka, said that the accident occurred around 5:00 pm.
Irelewuyi said that 20 people were involved in the accident that was caused by improper overtaking and speeding.
“The accident involved an unregistered Mack truck and a Mitsubishi L300 bus marked XA 857 UMN, carrying 14 passengers.
“While the third vehicle involved in the accident is a Hijet Shuttle Bus with registration number UMZ23XC, occupied by five people.
“A witness report indicates that the driver of the Mitsubishi Bus was accelerating and when he improperly passed him, he collided with the truck and caught fire, while the shuttle bus collided with the already crashed vehicles.
“Five shuttle bus passengers were rescued alive and unharmed, while Mitsubishi bus passengers were caught in the fire, where seven people were burned beyond recognition.
“Four people, including three adult men and a girl rescued alive, were later confirmed dead at St. Joseph Hospital, Agulu, and their bodies were deposited in the hospital morgue,” he said.
The sector commander said the FRSC rescue team was on the ground to divert traffic and said efforts were being made to evacuate the burned bodies and clear the obstruction caused by the accident.
While sympathizing with the families of the dead victims, Irelewuyi urged motorists to make sure the road is clear and safe before overtaking.
He urged them to always obey traffic rules at all times, and also to strive to maintain posted speed limits.
(YAYA)