A tragic auto crash on the Owerri-Okigwe Expressway in Orji community, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, has resulted in the loss of life of a female trader. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the accident occurred when a heavy-duty vehicle collided with a commercial vehicle, commonly known as “Busimo.”
The impact of the collision was devastating, with the victim’s head severed by the force of the accident. Several other passengers in the bus sustained serious injuries and were promptly rushed to various hospitals for medical treatment.
The Imo State Police Command swiftly dispatched its state Traffic Department to the scene of the incident, which led to traffic congestion in the area.
An eyewitness recounted the horrifying incident, stating, “The auto crash has killed one person, and many sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals. The victim was a trader who had closed for the day and had gone to a nearby community known as Akabo to deliver something to someone. She was on her way back when the accident occurred, resulting in the loss of her life. This is a horrific tragedy; her head was severed.”
Following the auto crash, an unidentified group of youths reportedly set the heavy-duty vehicle on fire. This act of arson caused panic among residents, who initially thought that bandits were on the rampage in the area due to the explosive sounds created by the burning tires.
One resident stated, “We initially believed that bandits were on a rampage because the bursting of the tires by the inferno sounded as if it was dynamite being detonated. It was later discovered that some unknown individuals had set the heavy-duty vehicle ablaze.”
The Imo State Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident and the loss of life, adding that other injured individuals had been rushed to hospitals for treatment. He also revealed that the police had launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.