From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
One person has been confirmed dead and several others injured in a multiple road accident that occurred in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.
According to reports from the city, the incident occurred on Tuesday morning at Water Side (Ogbor Hill) axis of Aba, when a trailer conveying 40ft container rammed into a commercial bus and a tricycle (Keke Napep), before felling on a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
It was gathered that the accident occurred as the trailer was descending the Ogbor Hill from the Opobo Junction axis and it’s breaks failed.
The driver unable to control the articulated vehicle, was said to have rammed into the commercial bus and the tricycle before failing on the SUV.
The incident was said to have involved an unmarked Mack heavy-duty truck, a coaster bus belonging to Anambra State Government Transport Company, with registration number Akwa Ibom UYY 74 XA, a commercial Sienna SUV traveling from Arochukwu to Aba, commercial tricycles and some SUVs.
Although, one person was reported dead, however, many were injured as passersby were said to have rushed to the scene to rescue people including a couple who were trapped under the container.
The magnitude of the incident it was gathered, made many believe over 10 people had died in the accident
A man, whose name was given as Odum Okorie and said to be carrying five persons in his Toyota Avalon, was reported to have miraculously survived the accident together with other occupants, but his car was damaged beyond recognition.
A bus driver, Magnus Ozor, said to have witnessed the accident, said the truck driver lost control of his vehicle as he tried to manoeuvre the busy road, making the heavy container land on unfortunate road users.
Ozor, who described the scene as horrifying, said some passengers managed to jump out unhurt while some others were not lucky as they were trapped under the container.
Residents who resorted to using bare hands in trying to push up the fallen container, said they decided to manual action to save the lives of those trapped under the fallen contianer, as there was no immediate arrival of concerned agencies.
A survivor told newsmen, “We drove all the way from Arochukwu to Aba and as soon as we dropped two passengers at the bus stop before the Waterside Bridge, we heard a loud noise.
“Everybody in the car were shouting blood of Jesus as our car was being dragged along the road before it eventually came to a halt.
“While the drive of our car was struggling to come out, I managed to come out through the window and also helped another lady who sustained little injury out of the car.
“But the husband and wife in front of the car were not so lucky as the container fall directly on their legs”.
Accident of similar magnitude happened in the area early last year which forced the Okezie Ikpeazu administration to relocate the Water Side abattoir and banned articulated vehicles from plying the city in the day time.