Speeding driver kills 5 passengers, survives autocrash as bus sommersaults in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Five persons lost their lives, while one survived in a ghastly car accident at Abatete in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The lone crash, involving a commercial Toyota Sienna with the registration number NZM-814ZL and company number 1721 reportedly occurred Saturday night.

Eyewitness accounts said the accident left some of the victims trapped inside and under the vehicle while bodies were littered on the floor before they were later evacuated.

“The driver was on top speed when he suddenly lost control, crashed into a dish and sommersaulted.”

Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Adeoye Irelewuyi confirmed the incident, saying five adults died in the crash while the only survivor sustained injuries.

Attributing the cause of the fatal crash to speed, Irelewuyi said the vehicle sommersaulted thrice after the driver negotiated a bend while on speed.

He said, “One Unidentified driver was involved in a fatal road traffic crash at Onitsha-Ogidi-Abatete Old Road Eke-agu market area on the 12th of August, 2023 at about 16:25hrs.

“6 people comprising 4 male adults, and 2 female adults were involved in the crash.
Injured victim was 1 male. 3 male adults and 2 females adults were killed.

“The FRSC rescue team from RS5.33 Nteje arrived at the scene of RTC and was briefed by some persons around the neighborhood that the crash occured yesterday evening and was cleared by police personnels from Ogidi police Station.

“Further information from the Station officer at Ogidi police station revealed that the crash actually happened yesterday and that six (6) persons were involved of which the driver is the only survival.

“Three among the dead bodies were deposited at Ahufus hospital/ moutuary Abatete while the other two were deposited at Iyi- Enu General Hospital, Ogidi.”

While sympathizing with the deceased family and praying for quick recovery of the victims, the FRSC boss warned motorist to desist from speeding and ensure they drive within minimum safe speed to save their lives and that of other road users.