The Federal Road Safety Corps has balmed route violation for the accident involving the Anambra State Special Anti-Tout Squad and a tipper in the Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
According to The PUNCH, at least four operatives of the Anambra State Special Anti-Tout Squad lost their lives, and another sustained injuries in a tragic road accident on Friday along the Onitsha-Owerri Road, near New Road Junction in Idemili South Local Government Area.
The crash involved three vehicles: a private Toyota Hummer bus with registration number UWN763XA, a government-owned Toyota Hummer bus without a registration number, and a Mercedes Benz tipper loaded with sand.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the accident was caused by a route violation, leading to a head-on collision. The Sector Public Education Officer for Anambra State, Margaret Onabe, confirmed that five male adults were involved in the crash.
“Four males lost their lives, while one sustained injuries,” she stated.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the Toyota bus carrying the anti-tout operatives crashed into the tipper as it was emerging from a junction during a routine stop-and-search operation.
The FRSC team initially faced challenges in responding to the incident as local youths from the Oba community resisted rescue efforts.
“The rescue team was attacked by local youths who insisted that representatives of certain individuals responsible for the crash be present before any rescue operations could proceed. The FRSC team had no option but to withdraw but later returned with police and other armed agencies,” Onabe explained.
She added that the crashed vehicles had been cleared from the road to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
The Anambra State FRSC Sector Commander, Joyce Nnennaya Alexander, extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged motorists to avoid reckless driving and disobeying road regulations.
“We strongly advise drivers to adhere to traffic rules, especially on highways, to prevent avoidable tragedies,” Onabe said.
She also called on the public to cooperate with rescue teams during emergencies, warning that any delays could lead to further loss of lives.
