At least 12 people, including four children, have died following a collision between a gas tanker truck and a commuter bus on the Owerri/Onitsha expressway in Imo state on Tuesday.
The Imo state police command confirmed that the gas tanker, bearing registration number T 16716 LA and marked with the inscription NUPENG, was driving against traffic when it crashed into the bus, which was carrying members of the Jehovah’s Witness Church from Anambra state to Agwa village in Imo.
Henry Okoye, the police spokesman, said eight adults and four children lost their lives in the accident, while eight others sustained injuries.
He said the deceased have been taken to Ogbaku Mortuary, and the injured are receiving treatment at Divine Hospital Awo-Omamma.
Okoye added that the police have launched an investigation into the crash, adding that the road has since been cleared, and traffic flow restored through the coordinated efforts of the police and road safety personnel.
“Regrettably, twelve persons lost their lives in the accident, eight adults and four children while eight persons were injured,” he said.
“The deceased have been evacuated and deposited at Ogbaku Mortuary while the injured persons are receiving treatment at Divine Hospital Awo-Omamma.
“Wreckage on the road has been cleared and free flow of traffic restored by a team of police personnel led by the DPO of Awo-Omamma in synergy with Road Safety personnel.
“Further updates will be communicated as investigations progress.”
Aboki Danjuma, commissioner of police in Imo, extended condolences to the families of the victims and urged motorists to avoid reckless behaviours such as driving against traffic.
