Tragedy struck the Agulu Lake–Nanka stretch of the Awka–Ekwulobia Road in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday night, as four women lost their lives and nine others sustained injuries in a multiple-vehicle collision.
Eyewitnesses said the victims were returning from a burial ceremony when the vehicle conveying them lost control while descending a narrow bridge, triggering a chain collision involving three other vehicles.
One witness said, “The driver was coming down the hill when the brakes failed.
“The vehicle veered off, hitting other cars and instantly killing some of the passengers, mostly women. Community members carried out initial rescue efforts before officials arrived.”
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident on Saturday.
Sector Public Education Officer, Margaret Onabe, said the crash involved a Toyota Hiace (HAL676YG), a trailer, a shuttle (UKP274YA), and a Toyota Hilux.
According to the FRSC, the accident occurred at 18:18 hours on Friday, with speed and loss of control cited as the probable cause.
Observations from the FRSC rescue team indicated that 19 people were involved: six male adults, 10 female adults, and three male children.
Nine victims, two male adults, four female adults, and three male children, were injured, while four female adults were confirmed dead.
Onabe said the injured were taken to St. Joseph Hospital, Adazi, for treatment, while the deceased were deposited at the hospital morgue. An alternative route was opened to ease traffic flow.
FRSC Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
She urged motorists to prioritise safety and exercise caution to avoid preventable accidents, stressing: “Drive safely to stay alive; safety is everyone’s responsibility.”