A ghastly motor accident has claimed multiple lives this morning, July 3, 2025, near the Ezelu-Okwe axis along the ever-busy Owerri–Okigwe Road in Imo State. Eyewitnesses at the scene described the crash as devastating, involving a commercial bus and a heavy-duty truck suspected to have suffered brake failure.

The collision occurred just after 9:00 AM, according to local residents who rushed to the scene before emergency responders arrived. The commercial bus, which had departed Owerri heading towards Okigwe, was reportedly overtaking another vehicle when it collided head-on with the truck veering into its lane.

Rescue efforts were initially led by local vigilantes and passersby who managed to pull out several injured passengers. As at the time of reporting, five persons have been confirmed dead, including the bus driver and two students en route to school. At least eight others sustained critical injuries and have been rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Imo State Traffic Management Agency (ISTMA) have since arrived at the scene to manage traffic and begin investigations into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest overspeeding and mechanical failure played key roles in the fatal outcome.

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The tragic incident has triggered an outpouring of grief across social media platforms, with many users calling for the urgent installation of speed breakers and traffic surveillance cameras along that stretch of the highway, notorious for repeated accidents in recent years.

Local leaders and community groups have urged the Imo State Government to carry out a road safety audit on the Owerri–Okigwe route. They are also demanding stricter enforcement of safety regulations for commercial transport operators, especially those operating inter-city routes.

The identities of all deceased victims are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, while authorities have urged families with loved ones traveling that route to contact emergency services for information and support.

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