A tragic accident at Imo State University junction in Owerri resulted in about 15 deaths and numerous injuries after a truck collided with four buses due to brake failure. The absence of immediate emergency response heightened the severity of the incident. Witnesses describe the chaos and lack of official assistance.
Approximately 15 individuals lost their lives and many others sustained injuries after a truck collided with four buses at the Imo State University (IMSU) junction in Owerri.
The accident happened on Saturday evening when a truck loaded with stones experienced brake failure in the Ugwu-Orji area and crashed into oncoming traffic.
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, noting the truck's high speed and inability to stop at the junction. "The driver tried to avoid hitting the passengers and minibuses at the junction but ended up veering into the opposite lane, hitting multiple buses filled with passengers," said one witness.
The witness estimated that around 15 people were killed on the spot, while numerous others were severely injured and transported to the hospital by bystanders. "It was a horrifying sight," the witness added.
Further exacerbating the tragedy was the absence of immediate emergency response.
Another witness highlighted the delay, noting that for over an hour after the accident, neither the police nor the Nigeria Civil Defense Corps arrived to assist. "It's frustrating that those who are quick to set up roadblocks were nowhere to be seen when help was needed most," the witness remarked. "It fell to civilians and other drivers to take the victims to hospitals and morgues."
There was also criticism directed at the government for the lack of an effective emergency response team. "It’s disappointing that there seems to be no immediate help for accident victims," the witness commented. "With proper emergency services, the outcome might have been less tragic."
Efforts to contact Egejuru, spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Imo, were unsuccessful at the time of this report
