A horrifying tragedy unfolded in Nnewi, Anambra State, as a speeding truck carrying a 40-foot container of cement lost control and plowed into shops and a residential compound, leaving many dead and several others injured.
The devastating accident occurred around 7 p.m. on Friday in the Eme Court Road area of Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and heartbreak as the truck, allegedly experiencing brake failure, veered uncontrollably from the Ugwu Agbati Ozu area before slamming into unsuspecting victims.
A resident, Ebuka Orji, told Premium Times that the vehicle’s driver appeared to struggle with control before ultimately crashing. “At least 10 people died on the spot, including children inside the compound,” Orji recounted, his voice heavy with grief.
A heart-wrenching video circulating online shows a distraught woman weeping uncontrollably after losing her children in the tragedy. Another resident, who chose to remain anonymous, claimed the death toll exceeded 20, as many people were out celebrating Valentine’s Day at the time of the accident.
Some eyewitnesses noted that while the truck was heading in the direction of the Police Area Command in Nnewi, the driver made a desperate maneuver to steer away from the facility, ultimately crashing into the busy roadside instead.
While accounts from residents suggest a death toll far higher, official figures from authorities differ. Anambra State Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident but stated that only six deaths had been officially recorded.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident resulted from brake failure. Unfortunately, six people lost their lives, while two others sustained severe injuries,” Ikenga stated.
Similarly, Margaret Onabe, the spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra, acknowledged the incident and promised a detailed statement later.
Following the tragic event, security operatives, including the police, FRSC personnel, and other emergency responders, took over the crash site to manage the aftermath and clear the wreckage.
As the community mourns, the incident raises fresh concerns about road safety regulations, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles navigating densely populated areas. Many residents are now calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and more rigorous vehicle inspections to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.
This heartbreaking tragedy serves as yet another reminder of the dangers posed by poorly maintained trucks and reckless driving, leaving Nnewi in deep sorrow.
PIONEER NEWS 