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How Mother and Child Lose Lives in Anambra Tanker Collision

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 9th, 2025.

How Mother and Child Lose Lives in Anambra Tanker Collision

Tragedy struck in Anambra State when a tanker lost control and collided with a commercial vehicle at Ulasi River Bridge, Okija Junction in Ihiala Local Government Area, resulting in the immediate death of a mother and her child, with several others sustaining injuries.

According to reports gathered by City Round, the accident happened late Thursday after the trailer’s brakes reportedly failed. The vehicle then crashed into a Toyota Hiace bus on the bridge, causing multiple casualties.

Eyewitnesses at the scene explained that the bus, traveling from Upper Iweka towards Owerri, had been temporarily stopped by revenue collectors (touts) when the trailer behind it was unable to stop and collided with the bus.

A video shared on social media shows the wreckage on the road with bystanders rushing to help the victims.

Ibeabuchi Edeoga, who witnessed the crash, told City Round, “The road was blocked by touts collecting fees from commercial drivers when the trailer, moving at high speed, failed to brake and slammed into the bus. Tragically, a woman and her child died instantly. Many passengers were taken to a nearby hospital, but several remained unconscious, and some have since passed away.”

Another witness, Uchenna Odinaka, recalled, “I was on my way home when it happened. Fortunately, the bridge railings prevented the tanker from veering off and hitting more vehicles or pedestrians. The incident took place during rush hour, making it even more chaotic. The driver and the trailer’s assistant were rescued, but sadly, two people died at the scene, and many others were seriously injured.”

The Anambra sector spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the crash on Friday but did not provide a specific number of casualties, saying, “We have received reports and are currently investigating the cause. A formal update will be released soon.”