By Cynthia Abah
A devastating accident on Sunday in the Mmuri axis of Ohafia Local Government Area, Abia State, left six people dead and several others injured after a trailer carrying chippings overturned, crushing a Sienna bus with nine passengers onboard.
Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying scene, which occurred around 1:30 p.m., with cries for help echoing from victims trapped under the trailer.
Rescue efforts were delayed due to a lack of adequate equipment.
Emeka Mba, President General of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union, described the incident as a “black Sunday,” blaming the tragedy on poor road conditions and calling for restrictions on heavy-duty vehicles in the area until infrastructure improves.
The Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA), confirmed the fatalities, reporting one person critically injured and two others sustaining various injuries.
ARTSMA’s General Manager, Col. Ezichi Kalu (retd.), led rescue operations, using cranes and towing vans to recover victims and clear the road.
The state government expressed condolences to the bereaved families and reopened the road to traffic, while officials emphasized the urgent need for improved infrastructure and stricter adherence to traffic regulations to prevent further loss of life.
