Truck kills 3 Female Children, 3 Others in Nnewi

By Praise Chinecherem

Six persons, including threw female children lost their lives in a fatal crash along the Ugwu-Akpati Ozu axis of Nnewi—Okigwe Road in Nnewi Anambra state.

The crash which occured Friday night near Nnewi Area Command Bus Stop, involved a cement laden truck.

Eye witness who blamed the cause of the crash on brake failure, said the driver suddenly lost control and rammed into a residential building, crushing yet-to-be-identified number of persons, including the driver and children of same parents.

He said: “The incident happened late on Friday. The driver of the 40-ft long trailer loaded with cement lost control at Ugwu Akpati Ozu, Nnewi and rammed into several cars, motorcycles, shops and buildings, before finally crashing at the house close to the major road.

“The loud noise from the crash alerted residents and other passers-by to the scene who assisted in removing some victims who got stuck in the vehicle.”

Confirming the crash, Spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Margaret Onabe six persons lost their lives, including two male adults, one female adult, and three female children.

She attributed the causes of the fatal crash to excessive speed, brake failure, and loss of control.

She said, “According to eyewitnesses, the Sino trailer, fully loaded with cement, was descending a hill at high speed when it experienced brake failure, lost control, and collided with the Mercedes lorry.

“The trailer then crashed into a roadside shop, pushing the container shop into a nearby building.

“The crash involved six male adults, one female adult, and three female children. Four male adults sustained injuries, while two male adults, one female adult, and three female children lost their lives.

“Among the deceased victims, one male adult and one female adult were trapped inside a building. The FRSC rescue team from Nnewi conducted an extrication, and the bodies of the deceased were transferred to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Akammili Umudim, Nnewi.

“The Sector Commander of Anambra State, Corps Commander Joyce Nnennaya Alexander, visited the crash scene first thing in the morning, where she also met with the owner of the house that was destroyed by the trailer.

“She offered her condolences and assured him that he would be kept informed as investigations progressed. Also visited the landlord.

“She also visited the surviving crash victims at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Akammili Umudim, Nnewi, and noted that their recovery was progressing well. She established contact to receive regular progress reports.

“At the crash scene, FRSC Operatives engaged with Police to ensure the safe offloading and trans-loading of the consignment of cement bags, while the Sector Commander directed the deployment of the FRSC heavy-duty tow truck to be on standby to tow the trailer out of the crash scene.

“Furthermore, the Sector Commander assures that the Command will undertake all crash investigations and other procedures to ensure the absconded driver and the owner of the trailer are found.

“She expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased victims and advised motorists to regularly service their vehicles to meet minimum safety standards before using the roads.”