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

An accident scene. Photo: File

An eight-year-old girl has died while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a road crash involving a commercial bus along the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway in Anambra State.

The accident occurred near the Anabel Event Centre, Awka, on Sunday.

The Anambra State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media and Publicity Unit, headed by Chukwudi Chiketa.

According to the statement, the commercial bus, popularly known as “TRACAS,” was conveying 14 passengers from Nnewi to Enugu when it crashed and overturned.

The statement said the emergency call was received at about 3:30pm, following which some fire service officers mobilised to the scene, secured the area and assisted in the rescue and evacuation of the victims.

It 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.

“The 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.”

• ‘Group sensitises residents to safer refuse disposal practices
• Ngige’s community pledges bloc votes for APC candidate
• ‘Why S’East needs digital transformation to drive growth’

The service said the vehicle sustained damage to some parts in the crash, but there was no fire outbreak at the scene.

It added that several passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and were evacuated to a hospital for medical attention, while the eight-year-old girl died in the accident.

The statement further said the responding personnel took necessary safety measures to prevent a secondary disaster and remained at the scene until the situation was brought under control and the area was declared safe.

The team withdrew from the scene at about 5:45pm the same day.

The fire service urged motorists and other road users to exercise caution, avoid excessive speed and remain vigilant while driving, particularly when conveying passengers.