Five Killed in Tragic Road Accident in Anambra
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State has confirmed a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of five people along the Nnewi-Okigwe Road near Chisco Park Junction in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area. The crash occurred late on Friday night and has left the community in shock and mourning.
According to preliminary investigations, the fatal accident happened around 9:30 p.m. and was caused by a brake failure on a tipper truck that lost control and ploughed into roadside pedestrians and nearby vehicles. The vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number NNE 893 ZG, was reportedly moving at high speed when the malfunction occurred, leading to a devastating chain of collisions.
The FRSC Sector Public Education Officer, Margaret Onabe, issued a press statement detailing the tragic incident. She said the crash involved a total of 10 people, including four adult males, one adult female, three male children, and two female children. The accident not only resulted in multiple fatalities but also left several others with serious injuries.
“The truck, travelling at high speed, suffered a brake failure and crashed into other vehicles and pedestrians,” Onabe said. “Other vehicles involved in the collision included a Honda motorcycle and a Qlink motorcycle, both of which were badly damaged in the incident.”
Emergency response teams from the FRSC were alerted and quickly mobilised to the scene. According to Onabe, the rescue team arrived within 31 minutes of receiving the distress call. Upon arrival, they secured the area, managed traffic, and assisted in transporting the injured to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.
Five Dead, Several Injured in Tragic Road Accident in Anambra
“Reports from the Anglican Diocesan Hospital in Amichi indicated that six persons were brought in. Three of them were confirmed dead on arrival, and one other died shortly after being admitted,” she said. “The remaining two victims at the hospital are currently receiving treatment and responding positively.”
Additional reports from Pat Angelina Hospital in the same locality stated that four victims were admitted with varying degrees of injuries, including bruises and bone fractures. “Sadly, one adult male was confirmed dead at that facility, while the rest are said to be stable and under close medical observation,” Onabe added.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described the horror that unfolded as the truck barrelled through the busy junction, hitting anyone and anything in its path. “It was chaos. People were screaming and running. We saw bodies lying by the roadside and motorcycles completely crushed,” said a local resident who witnessed the crash but asked not to be named.
The accident has raised renewed concerns about the safety of roads in Anambra State, particularly the frequency of crashes caused by brake failure or reckless driving by heavy-duty vehicle operators. Locals in the Amichi area are now calling on the state government and the Federal Road Safety Corps to intensify vehicle inspections, especially of commercial trucks, and enforce stricter traffic regulations to prevent future tragedies.
In the aftermath of the accident, FRSC officials have urged motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before hitting the highways. “This incident is a painful reminder of what can happen when vehicles are not properly maintained,” said Onabe. “We appeal to all drivers, particularly those operating heavy-duty trucks, to take their vehicle maintenance seriously. Brake failure should never be the reason lives are lost on our roads.”
She also encouraged road users, pedestrians, and motorcyclists to be extra cautious when navigating busy or poorly regulated intersections, especially during night-time hours when visibility is low and risks are higher.
As the community mourns the five lives lost in Friday’s accident, authorities have confirmed that further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the brake failure and to assess whether any form of negligence was involved. The driver of the tipper is said to have survived the crash and is assisting law enforcement officers with their inquiries.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps has promised to continue its efforts in promoting road safety awareness and ensuring swift emergency response across Anambra State and beyond.
The tragic event serves as yet another grim reminder of the urgent need for better traffic management systems, more rigorous enforcement of safety regulations, and continuous public education on responsible driving practices.
Source- Punchng
