People
Tragic Accident at Imsu Junction Claims 6 Lives, Leaves Many Injured
In a devastating turn of events, six people lost their lives and many others were injured in a horrific accident involving a Mack Truck and four minibusses at IMSU Junction, along Okigwe Road in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The tragic incident unfolded when the driver of the Mack Truck, with registration number KWL 857 YE, reportedly lost control and veered into oncoming traffic, smashing into the minibusses and mowing down pedestrians. The chaos left a scene of carnage, with shattered vehicles and injured bodies strewn across the road.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye confirmed the incident to DAILY POST, stating that the accident occurred around 5:45 PM on May 18, 2024. Preliminary investigations suggest that the truck driver, heading towards IMSU Junction from Orji, lost control and caused the deadly crash.
Swift action from the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, saw officers from the Orji Divisional Headquarters and the State Traffic Department rushing to the scene. They were joined by courageous locals who helped evacuate the injured to the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Owerri. Sadly, six victims were declared dead upon arrival at the hospital, while others are fighting for their lives.
The accident site has been cleared for traffic flow, and the deceased have been moved to the FMC mortuary. Authorities are working to contact the families of the victims and are on the hunt for the truck driver, who fled the scene.
CP Aboki Danjuma expressed his deep condolences to the families affected by this tragedy and vowed to bring the fugitive driver to justice. He also urged all road users in the state to prioritize safety and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy to prevent such heartbreaking incidents.
What makes this tragedy even more painful is the likelihood that many of the victims were students who had just finished their exams and were heading home for a well-deserved break.