By Kamsi Anayo
No fewer than five passengers died while one survived in a bus crash at Abatete community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state.
The accident involved a commercial Toyota Sienna van with registration number NZM-814ZL, on Saturday night.
An eyewitness said the accident left some of the victims trapped inside and under the vehicle while bodies were littered on the floor before they were later evacuated.
“The driver was on top speed when he suddenly lost control, crashed into a dish and somersaulted severally. Just imagine how he wasted the lives of his passengers while he himself survived,” he lamented.
Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Adeoye Irelewuyi confirmed the incident, saying five adults died in the crash while the only survivor sustained injuries.
Attributing the cause of the crash to over speeding, Irelewuyi said the vehicle somersaulted thrice after the driver negotiated a bend while on speed.
He said, “One Unidentified driver was involved in a fatal road traffic crash at Onitsha-Ogidi-Abatete Old Road Eke-agu market area on the 12th of August, 2023 at about 16:25hrs.
“Six people comprising 4 male adults, and 2 female adults were involved in the crash. Injured victim was 1 male. 3 male adults and 2 females adults were killed.
“Further information from the Station officer at Ogidi police station revealed that the crash actually happened yesterday and that six (6) persons were involved of which the driver is the only survival.
“Three among the dead bodies were deposited at Ahufus hospital/moutuary Abatete while the other two were deposited at Iyi- Enu General Hospital, Ogidi.”
While sympathising with the deceased family and praying for quick recovery of the victims, FRSC boss warned motorists to desist from speeding and ensure they drive within minimum safe speed to save their lives and those of other road users.