A tragic accident occurred late Sunday night in Imo State, resulting in the deaths of at least nine individuals along the Owerri-Okigwe Road near Umunachi.
The crash involved a heavy-duty vehicle and took place during intense rainfall. Although the precise cause of the incident remains under investigation, eyewitnesses believe excessive speeding during the downpour may have contributed to the disaster.
“Despite the heavy rain, drivers still speed. Now nine lives are lost,” a witness at the scene remarked with sorrow.
As of the time this report was compiled, emergency responders had not confirmed the official number of casualties. However, reports from the scene suggest the death toll could increase.
This incident follows a separate violent event that occurred on the same road on May 8, when armed men reportedly set multiple vehicles ablaze, allegedly to enforce a sit-at-home order.
While authorities have yet to issue a formal response to Sunday night’s crash, residents are once again calling for stronger traffic regulation and enhanced safety measures along the route.