60 escape death as Taraba-bound bus crashes in Anambra

At least 60 persons escaped death when a fully loaded commercial luxury bus crashed into the drainage on the Enugu-Onitsha expressway in Anambra state.

The bus was trying to avoid collision with a petrol tanker on Friday when it crashed.

John Obi, a witness, told NAN that the bus with number plate KRD 730 XJ, belonging to Young Shall Grow motor, took off from Onitsha and was heading for Taraba.

Obi said the passenger bus, which was descending the Kwata bridge, just before the popular Unizik junction in Awka, said it was trying to avoid an unmarked petrol tanker.

He said the tanker was turning on the expressway after discharging its content at a nearby filling station.

He said though, no live was lost, some passengers sustained injuries.

One of the victims, who identified himself as Chukwudi, said he was thankful to God for the narrow escape, but was not in a state to speak further.

“I just thank God, because this could have been my last day, for me I thank God,” he said.

Another passenger, Hajiya Rekia, a nursing mother, was just shouting “Nagode Allah, Nagode Allah” (thank God).

Peter Katchy, vice-chairman of Red Cross Society in Anambra, whose team was part of the rescue operation, confirmed that there was no death but few passengers sustained minor injuries.

Katchy called on the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to restore the electric pole that was knocked down and remove cables lying dangerously on the expressway.

“It was a serious crash and we responded immediately but thank God no death was recorded,” he said.

“We have called on the EEDC to immediately remove the pole and wire from the highway.

“We do not know the immediate cause but it would be known after our investigation.”