A tragic multiple crash occurred at the Oba/Obosi junction along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Anambra State, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least four people.
Reports suggest that the accident happened around 9 am on Sunday when a trailer lost control, crushing four vehicles, including two tricycles. Shockingly, the occupants of these vehicles were reportedly en route to a church service when the collision happened.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the heavy truck experienced brake failure, leading to the loss of control. The tax collectors had purportedly halted the tricycles at the junction, exacerbating the situation.
The truck collided with the tricycles, pushing them and some occupants into a nearby ditch. Some victims were crushed by the truck while others were trapped underneath it.
In chilling videos circulating on social media, the aftermath of the accident was grim, with bodies strewn across the road. Eyewitnesses recounted the horror, describing how some victims fell into the ditch while others were run over by the truck.
Emergency services swiftly responded to treat the injured and recover the bodies of the deceased. However, the death toll could rise as search efforts continue for possible additional victims.
The incident sparked outrage, with locals and social media activists criticizing the actions of the tax collectors and demanding accountability.
Some even blamed the incident on the longstanding issue of revenue collection enforcement, calling for decisive action from authorities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Anambra State confirmed the accident and noted alleged protests by city youth and others in response to the incident.
The local authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the cause of the brake failure and the conduct of the tax collectors involved.
