Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
An eight-year-old girl has died while several other passengers sustained injuries after a commercial bus carrying 14 people crashed and overturned along the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway in Anambra State.
The accident occurred on Sunday, October 4, 2026, near the Anabel Event Centre in Awka, while the bus was travelling from Nnewi to Enugu.
The Anambra State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Media and Publicity Unit, headed by Chukwudi Chiketa.
According to the service, an emergency call was received at about 3:30pm, prompting firefighters to mobilise to the crash scene, secure the area and assist with the rescue and evacuation of the passengers.
“The Anambra State Fire Service responded to a road traffic accident involving a fully loaded commercial bus at Anabel Event Centre, Awka, on Sunday, October 4, 2026.”
The vehicle, a commercial bus popularly known as a “tracas”, sustained damage in the crash but did not catch fire.
“Several passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and were evacuated and taken to the hospital for medical attention. Sadly, an eight-year-old child lost her life in the accident.”
Firefighters took safety measures to prevent a secondary incident and remained at the scene until the situation was brought under control and the area was deemed safe.
The emergency team left the scene at about 5:45pm after completing the rescue and safety operations.
The fire service urged motorists and other road users to exercise caution, avoid excessive speed and remain vigilant, particularly when transporting passengers.
“Fire kills, but we can prevent it,” the statement added.
