Tragedy struck as five individuals lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries in a grievous accident that involved a transit bus and a tipper truck near Orogwe market bus stop in the Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
Reports indicate that the luxurious bus, owned by the Lords Chosen Ministry, was ferrying church members from Lagos State to Owerri for a religious program.
According to an eyewitness named Daniel Iwu, the fatal collision occurred when the tipper truck emerged from a bend, and the bus, traveling at high speed, swerved in an attempt to avoid it.
The impact led to the tipper striking the rear of the bus, causing it to careen into a roadside culvert.
Tragically, the conductor and driver of the tipper lost their lives on the spot, while the bus tragically crushed three individuals who were waiting at the bus stop to board vehicles.
Thankfully, the bus driver was reported to have survived the harrowing accident.
Describing the chain of events, Iwu narrated, “The incident involved a lengthy coaster bus transporting members of the Lord’s Chosen organization and a tipper. Both vehicles were en route from Onitsha to Owerri, but the bus, attempting to overtake the tipper, collided with it, causing the bus to lose control.”
One survivor shared, “We were numerous in the vehicle, and I am unsure if it was at full capacity, but our belongings were also onboard. We were heading to our church event in Owerri when this dreadful accident transpired.”
“Many individuals have been rushed to the hospital, with a significant number being rescued from beneath the overturned bus,” the survivor added.