Panic erupted at No. 161 Beverly Hills Estate, GRA in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Sunday, when a 40-foot truck loaded with cement, bearing registration number Delta ASB 405YZ, crashed into a residential building.
The incident, which occurred around 8 a.m., resulted in significant property damage but no loss of life. The truck driver lost control while navigating a hilly road, causing the vehicle to smash into the building, destroying two luxury cars, the perimeter fence gate, and pillars.
The crisis began when the estate’s Chief Security Officer warned the driver to turn back, as heavy-duty vehicles were prohibited from the estate due to its topography. Ignoring the warning, the driver attempted to reach his destination, an uncompleted building, but the weight of the cement caused the truck to descend the hill uncontrollably and crash into the residence.
A resident, speaking anonymously, described the scene: “As the driver insisted on continuing to his destination, the truck, burdened by the cement, descended the hill rapidly, ramming into the residential building and destroying the cars, fence, wall, and pillars.”
The house owner, Uche Adoga, a retired civil servant, recounted the harrowing experience: “My family and I were upstairs when we heard a deafening noise. Looking outside, I saw people gathering around and I fainted from shock. My two cars, including a new one, were smashed, along with the fence gate, walls, and pillars.”
The driver, who was reportedly on a phone call during the crash and attempted to flee, was detained by sympathizers and other residents. He is currently being held at the 3’3 Police Station. Adoga expressed frustration that the driver’s employer had not yet visited to assess the damage or discuss compensation.
“The driver’s principal has shown no concern since the incident. It’s frustrating that they haven’t come to address the destruction and support my family,” Adoga said.
A senior police officer at the 3’3 Police Station confirmed the driver’s detention but declined further comment. The damaged truck has been towed to the police station with assistance from local residents.
