A devastating accident near the Area Command Bus Stop in Nnewi, Anambra State, has left an undisclosed number of casualties after a cement-laden truck lost control and crashed into a residential building.
Among the victims were at least five members of a single family.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the tragedy unfolded late Friday evening as community members gathered outside their homes, while the affected family was preparing for dinner.
According to sources, the accident was caused by a brake failure, which led to the driver losing control of the truck. The vehicle reportedly collided with multiple structures before finally crashing into a house near the main road.
An eyewitness recounted the chaos, saying,
“The incident happened late on Friday when most people were at their compound. The loud noise from the crash alerted the residents and other passers-by to the scene. It subsequently created a rowdy scene as residents and passers-by tried to remove some victims who got stuck.”
Providing further details, another witness stated,
“The driver of the trailer carrying cement lost control at Ugwu-Akpati Ozu, Nnewi, and crashed at Me Court Junction, near Nnewi Police Area Command Bus Stop. The truck cleared several structures and some persons before ramming into the residential building, killing about five children of a family.
“It was an unfortunate incident that occurred while some people gathered at their various compounds celebrating Valentine’s Day. The driver was also killed in the accident while several victims were still stuck under the truck.”
At the scene, the mother of the deceased children was seen in distress as neighbors attempted to console her. Several lifeless bodies were also visible amid the wreckage.
A senior officer at the Nnewi Area Command, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the crash but deferred to official authorities.
“It’s only the PPRO that can speak officially, but what happened is that the driver of the truck failed to brake and rammed into a residential building, killing some victims.
“The police have commenced a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and assured the public that further details would be provided in due course.”
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps in Anambra, Margaret Onabe, said the crash occurred late Friday. She added that efforts were ongoing to obtain further details from FRSC personnel at the scene.
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