Eight Feared Dead in Fatal Crash on Nteje-Awka Road

The accident Scene along Nteje-Awka Road

By Ukpa Ewa | 29th April 2025

AWKA — Tragic road accident has claimed the lives of eight individuals along the Nteje-Awka route, near the New Terminal close to Ukpo Junction, as confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Anambra Sector Command.

The accident occurred around 9:00 PM on April 27, involving a Mack tanker without a license plate and a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number EKP375XM. According to preliminary reports and eyewitness accounts, the bus, traveling from Abakaliki to Onitsha, was attempting a dangerous overtaking maneuver at high speed when it collided head-on with the tanker traveling in the opposite direction on the narrow, single-lane road.

The crash resulted in the deaths of eight passengers—four men and four women—and left six others injured, including two men and four women. The FRSC rescue team from RS5.33 Nteje responded swiftly, evacuating the injured to Regina Caeli Hospital and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital. The deceased were taken to Jerusalem Mortuary, Nteje, after being confirmed dead by a medical professional.

In a press release, the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Joyce Nnennaya Alexander, extended her condolences to the bereaved families and urged all road users to drive responsibly. "Drivers must ensure they drive at a minimum safe speed and only overtake when the road is clear," she cautioned.

Following the incident , the Commander Alexander visited the crash site, the injured victims at the hospitals, and inspected the wreckage at the Nteje Police Station. She also met with the Chief of Taskforce of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) as part of efforts to coordinate a more robust response to road safety concerns.

The FRSC emphasized its commitment to intensifying road safety education and enforcing traffic laws;pledging to work closely with stakeholders to enhance safety measures and prevent future tragedies on Anambra roads.

As investigations continue, authorities urge all drivers to exercise caution, particularly on single-carriageway roads where overtaking can be perilously deceptive.

Also, the Sector Public Education Officer RC Margaret Onabe reaffirmed the command dedication to reducing road fatalities and promoting safer driving practices across the state.