Anambra multiple road crash kills one, injured 8 others

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

At least one person was confirmed dead on Monday following a multiple fatal road crash involving a petrol tanker and six other vehicles at Obosi-Nkpor road, Idemili North LGA of Anambra state.

Blueprint learnt that the incident which occurred around 11.51am due to a brake failure killed the yet to be identified woman, while 8 other passengers (all men) sustained degrees of injury.

According to an eyewitness, Mr Greg Mba, the brakes of the Mercedes Benz Truck with no visible registration number belonging to Rico Pharmacy Industries Ltd while descending the hill towards Nkpor.

“Four male adults sustained varying degrees of injury and the only female victim was confirmed dead by doctors at Boromeo Hospital, Onitsha, where the injured victims were also rushed to by FRSC rescue team from Upper Iweka Outpost,” the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed.

Mr Pascal A. Anigbo, the Sector Public Education Officer, who spoke for the Anambra Sector Commander, Mr Andrew Kumapayi, named the vehicles involved in the incident as Mack (Tanker) conveying cooking gas, with registration number AKD246XV and Mitsubishi Diana with registration number GDD259ZE.

Others were Toyota Pickup registration number NEN402ZD, Mercedes Benz Truck with no visible registration number, Tricycle without registration number, Toyota Camry without registration number and Scania Truck also without registration number.

“Traffic control and clearing of obstruction (by the FRSC heavy duty tow truck) is ongoing. The Fire Service are also on ground to avert any fire outbreak,” he added. 

He further revealed that another Road Traffic Crash involving a TATA truck with registration number LND635XM conveying empty crates/bottles of beer which occurred at Umuoji Roundabout due to brake failure recorded no casualty although the vehicle rammed into other vehicles in traffic.

“The Sector Commander Federal Road Safety Corps Anambra, CC Andrew A. Kumapayi condole with the family of the dead and wishes the injured victims quick recovery. He admonishes vehicle owners and drivers to always ensure that their vehicles are properly serviced, especially the brakes, before embarking on any trip. He also reminds motorists that the rainy season is here, where the grounds are mostly slippery. Vehicles must have good tyres and good brakes to prevent avoidable Road Traffic Crashes,” Anigbo added.