Six people died, and many others were injured in a fatal motor accident involving a Mack Truck and four minibuses at IMSU Junction on Okigwe Road, Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
The incident was confirmed by Imo State police spokesperson Henry Okoye in a statement to DAILY POST. Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of the Mack Truck (registration number KWL 857 YE), heading towards IMSU Junction from Orji along Okigwe Road, allegedly lost control of the vehicle, veered into the wrong lane, and ran over four minibuses and several pedestrians, causing multiple serious injuries.
Okoye said, “After receiving a report from a concerned citizen on 18/05/2024 at about 1745hrs about the accident at IMSU Junction, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, quickly dispatched operatives from Orji Divisional Headquarters and the State Traffic Department to the scene.
“Upon arrival, the police, with help from public-spirited individuals, evacuated the victims to Federal Medical Center (FMC), Owerri, for medical attention. The medical practitioner on duty confirmed six deaths on arrival, while efforts began to save the injured victims.
“Photos and sketches of the accident scene were taken, and the wrecked vehicles were cleared to ease traffic flow. The deceased victims’ bodies were deposited at the FMC mortuary for preservation.
“Efforts are ongoing to contact the families of the deceased and injured victims and to apprehend the truck driver, who fled the scene after the accident.
“Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, expressed condolences to the families, friends, and relatives of the deceased, prayed for the repose of their souls, and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery, noting that the Command is deeply saddened by this preventable accident.
“The Commissioner of Police has instructed the State Traffic Officers to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and locate the truck driver who is currently at large.
“He urges road users in the State to drive responsibly and regularly check the roadworthiness of their vehicles to prevent such accidents.”