Three passengers die in Imo auto crash

Three persons have reportedly lost their lives in an auto crash along Owerri/Aba road in Imo state.

Angela Fagbenide, unit commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Imo, confirmed the development to TheCable on Thursday.

Fagbenide said the 18-seater bus was loaded with passengers travelling from Aba to Owerri.

She said the bus was also loaded with goods, adding that the drivers of both vehicles, including a female passenger, died.

She said the remaining passengers sustained injuries during the crash.

“About seven victims of the accident who were admitted at IAWA hospital in Ngor-Okpala LGA, have been treated and discharged,” she added.

“Several items, including cash, were also recovered at the scene of the accident. They will be handed to their relatives later today.”

She called on members of the public to ignore reports claiming that eighteen passengers lost their lives in the accident.

An eyewitness said the bus involved in the accident passed his vehicle at Olakwu junction, adding that the crash was “horrible”.

“It was a fatal one. I saw it with my two eyes. The bus was actually overspeeding and overtook our own at Olakwu junction when our driver was picking passengers,” the eyewitness said.

“On getting to the spot, we couldn’t believe what we saw. Even the two buses were beyond repairs.”