A devastating road accident on the Owerri–Onitsha expressway in Imo State claimed at least 12 lives on Tuesday after a gas tanker collided with a commuter bus.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed that the tanker, bearing registration number T 16716 LA and marked with the inscription NUPENG, was driving against traffic when it rammed into the bus.
The bus was reportedly conveying members of the Jehovah’s Witness Church from Anambra State to Agwa community in Imo.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye said that the crash killed eight adults and four children, while eight others sustained varying degrees of injury.
“The deceased have been evacuated and deposited at Ogbaku Mortuary, while the injured are currently receiving treatment at Divine Hospital, Awo-Omamma,” Okoye confirmed.
He added that the wreckage had been cleared and normal traffic restored through a coordinated effort between the police, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Awo-Omamma, and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
“Regrettably, twelve persons lost their lives—eight adults and four children—while eight others were injured. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing,” he said.
The tragic accident underscores growing concerns about reckless driving and traffic violations on Nigeria’s highways.
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