A road crash has claimed the lives of at least 14 people returning to Umuahia from a wedding ceremony at the weekend.
The victims were travelling back from Enugu on Saturday evening when the coaster bus carrying them collided head-on with a trailer along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway near the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ozalla.
Eyewitnesses said the crash happened around 6:00 p.m., close to the 4-Corner Junction. Fourteen passengers died at the scene, while others later died in hospital. Several survivors remain in critical condition in medical facilities in Umuahia.
Many of the victims were foodstuff traders operating at Bonny Street, near Isi Gate. The groom, Mr. MacDonald Okechukwu, who is from Orlu in Imo State, was said to be among traders in the area. His wife is from Amagunze in Nkanu, Enugu State, where the traditional marriage and wedding were held shortly before the accident.
When correspondents visited Bonny Street on Monday, most shops were closed as sympathisers gathered to console affected families.
Miss Glory Chiamaka Orji, 27, who lost her father in the crash, said the family was still trying to cope with the loss. Her father, Mr. Sunday Nkemakolam, was from Isuochi in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
“He was hale and hearty before embarking on the journey,” she said, adding that the groom had lived at No. 8 Bonny Street before moving away about a year ago.
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Another trader, who asked not to be named, said the groom was well known in the market and personally invited many traders, which led to the large turnout.
“At least eight traders from Bonny Street died,” she said tearfully. “There is still someone in a coma. She lost her mother and her sister’s husband, who married barely two years ago.”
A popular master of ceremonies in Umuahia, MC Counsellor, who anchored the event, was also among those who died.
Chairman of the Bonny Street Traders Association, Mr. James Edeh, confirmed the incident and described it as devastating. He said early information from the trailer driver indicated that the bus was allegedly driving against traffic while the trailer was trying to overtake a tricycle, resulting in the collision.
“We evacuated 12 bodies, including eight traders, two kinsmen of the groom and two other guests,” Edeh said, adding that two bodies remained in Enugu to allow their families identify them more easily.
He said several injured victims are being treated in private hospitals across Umuahia, while others with fractures are at the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu. He appealed to the Abia State Government to assist with medical care for survivors.
Reacting, the Commissioner for Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, said she could not comment at the time. However, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the governor had directed that victims be identified so support could be provided.
“The Governor expressed sadness over the incident and directed the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection to identify the victims and their families to enable government provide support for treatment of the injured and assistance to bereaved families,” he said.