Tragedy struck at Upper Iweka in Onitsha, Anambra State on Thursday as a heavy truck rammed into a passenger bus, killing one instantly and injuring no fewer than 10 persons.
It was gathered that the driver was descending the hill when he lost control following brake failure and rammed into the bus, killing one of the passengers and injuring several others.
An eyewitness told our correspondent that “Only one person, a man, died but about 10 persons sustained varying degrees of injury. Some of the injured have been rushed to Toronto hospital.
“The minibus was hit beyond recognition and the occupants, driver and about two passengers, were not touched. The victims were mainly those doing business on the road.”
Confirming the incident, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC, Adeoye Irelewuyi, said four persons sustained injuries, blaming the crash on speeding and brake failure.
While sympathising with the deceased family and wishing the injured victims quick recovery, the road safety boss warned motorists to desist from speeding and observe recommended safe speed limits.
He said, “A fatal road traffic crash occurred at old Asaba park by Awka-Onitsha Expressway today.
“Three vehicles were involved in the crash: a commercial Daihatsu Hijet bus with registration number: AKL978XM, a commercial Howo Truck with registration number: AWK899ZQ and a Commercial Mitsubishi L300 bus with registration number: SKA439XA.
“Two male adults and three female adults were involved in the crash. One male adult was killed, while two male adults and two female adults were injured.
“As at the time of this report, The FRSC rescue team from RS5.31A Upper-Iweka Onitsha Anambra State rushed the victims to Toronto hospital Onitsha where one male adult was confirmed dead and his corpse deposited at same hospital mortuary.
“The injured victims are currently receiving treatment. The team also ensured obstruction caused by the crash was cleared.”