Eight-year-old dies, others injured in Anambra auto crash

The scene of the crash. Credit: Anambra State Fire Service.

The Anambra State Fire Service has confirmed that an eight-year-old child lost her life while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries in an accident that occurred near the Anabel Event Centre, along the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway in the state.

According to a press statement released on Tuesday by the Media and Publicity Unit of the Service, headed by Chukwudi Chiketa, the accident occurred when the commercial bus conveying them from Nnewi to Enugu crashed and overturned.

Chiketa said the affected commercial bus was carrying 14 passengers, adding that the accident occurred on Sunday.

According to him, the emergency call was received by the fire service office at about 3:30 pm, with Service personnel promptly mobilising to the scene, where they assessed the situation, secured the area and assisted in the rescue and evacuation of victims.

The statement read, “The Anambra State Fire Service responded to a road traffic accident involving a fully loaded commercial bus at Anabel Event Centre, Awka, on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

“The emergency call was received at about 1530 hours, reporting that a commercial bus travelling from Nnewi to Enugu with passengers on board had crashed and overturned. Fire Service personnel promptly mobilised to the scene, where they assessed the situation, secured the area and assisted in the rescue and evacuation of victims.

“The affected vehicle, a commercial bus popularly known as “tracas,” was carrying 14 passengers. The vehicle sustained damage to some parts in the crash. There was, however, no fire outbreak at the scene.

“Several passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and were evacuated and taken to the hospital for medical attention. Sadly, an eight-year-old child lost her life in the accident.”

According to him, the fire service personnel took necessary safety measures to prevent any secondary disaster and remained at the scene until the situation was brought under control and the area was considered safe.

“The responding team withdrew from the scene at about 1745 hours of the same day.

“The Anambra State Fire Service urges motorists and other road users to exercise maximum caution, avoid excessive speed and remain vigilant while driving, particularly when carrying passengers.