A tragic accident along the Owerri-Umuaka-Okwudor-Orlu Road in Imo State has claimed the lives of eight people, leaving several others critically injured. The devastating incident occurred on Tuesday at Ugwu Njaba in the Njaba Local Government Area when a heavy-duty truck lost control while descending a hill, colliding with an 18-seater bus.
ASP Henry Okoye, Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, confirmed the accident, attributing the cause to the truck driver’s excessive speed. “The truck, descending from a hill, lost control, crushing the bus and causing a horrific scene that resulted in the loss of innocent lives,” he said. Eyewitnesses report that the impact left the bus mangled beyond recognition, with emergency responders facing immense challenges in freeing the trapped victims.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to a mortuary, while the injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals. Some victims remain in critical condition, and the casualty count could increase as the police continue their investigation. ASP Okoye assured the public that the truck driver, whose reckless driving led to this tragedy, will be prosecuted.
Video footage circulating on social media reveals the grim aftermath of the accident, showing responders working tirelessly to extract survivors from the wreckage. The images have ignited a wave of sympathy and calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations.
As the Imo community mourns this tragic loss, authorities urge drivers to exercise caution, particularly on high-risk roads, to prevent future tragedies.
