Six persons on Tuesday lost their lives while five others were injured in a multiple motor accident along Agulu-Awgbu Road in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The crash which occurred around 9:55 am involved a Commercial Howo truck, a commercial TVS/Tricycle with registration number: NZH84LG, a commercial Qlink motorcycle with registration number: OLU245QV, and a private Honda/Motorcycle.
According to an eyewitness, the truck driver was approaching a checkpoint at a speed when he suddenly lost control following brake failure.
“The truck collided with the other vehicles at the checkpoint and crashed,” he said.
He commiserated with the deceased family and sent his prayers to the injured persons, urging motorists to maintain a safe speed and drive within the specified speed limit to arrive at their destination alive.
He said; “Eleven persons were involved in the crash comprising (9 male adults, and 2 female adults) 5 male adults sustained varying degrees of injury and 4 male adults and 2 female adults were killed.
“Before the arrival of the FRSC rescue team from RS5.35 Igboukwu, the injured victims were rushed by passers-by to Referral Health Centre Awgbu, and the deceased deposited at St Joseph’s Mortuary Adazi Ani.
“The rescue team managed traffic and ensured obstruction caused by the crash was cleared.”
Meanwhile, online videos trending on various platforms have accused the state government’s revenue officials of being responsible for the incident.
According to a narrator in one of the videos, the revenue officials derogatorily called ‘Soludo boys’ were chasing the truck, when the driver crashed into innocent people in the Eke Awgbu area.
But in a statement on Wednesday, the State Government has denied allegations of activities of its revenue agents being responsible for the tragic road accident involving a trailer and other vehicles that sadly caused loss of lives in the Eke Awgbu area of the state.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr Christian Aburime on behalf of the state government, said the government while expressing its sympathy and condolences to the victims and families affected by the unfortunate incident, categorically debunks the allegations as false and unsubstantiated.
The statement read; “A thorough investigation has been conducted by the Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue, and the findings are clear: the accident was caused by a trailer carrying cement that experienced brake failure while descending the slope at Eke Awgbu, leading to the tragic crash. This is a matter of mechanical failure and not the result of any actions by state revenue agents, as falsely alleged.
“It is deeply regrettable that instead of focusing on the real issues and contributing to public safety, certain desperate opposition figures have continued to exploit tragic incidents for political gain by peddling propaganda against the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.
“Drivers are hereby advised to always observe safe driving practices, especially on how to handle slopes descent, the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, the importance of avoiding distractions such as mobile phone usage while driving, and the necessity of regular vehicle maintenance checks, are crucial for preventing such tragedies in the future.
“The Soludo administration remains committed to improving the safety and well-being of all Anambra State residents, and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our roads are safe and that such incidents are minimized through proactive measures and public education campaigns.”
