The Anambra State Fire Service on Tuesday confirmed the death of an eight-year-old child with several others sustained varying degrees of injuries in an accident that occurred along the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway in the state.
The Service said this in a statement released by its Media and Publicity Unit, headed by Chukwudi Chiketa, adding that the accident occurred on Sunday when the commercial bus conveying the 14 passengers from Nnewi to Enugu crashed and overturned.
Chiketa said the service received an emergency call around 3:30 pm, prompting it to mobilize personnel to the scene, where they assessed the situation, secured the area and assisted in the rescue and evacuation of victims.
The statement read, “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 emergency call was received at about 1530 hours, reporting that a commercial bus travelling from Nnewi to Enugu with passengers on board had crashed and overturned. Fire Service personnel promptly mobilised to the scene, where they assessed the situation, secured the area and assisted in the rescue and evacuation of victims.
“The affected vehicle, a commercial bus popularly known as “tracas,” was carrying 14 passengers. The vehicle sustained damage to some parts in the crash. There was, however, no fire outbreak at the scene.
Affected vehicle, a commercial bus popularly known as “tracas,” was carrying 14 passengers. The vehicle sustained damage to some parts in the crash. There was, however, no fire outbreak at the scene.
“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.”
According to him, the fire service personnel took necessary safety measures to prevent any secondary disaster and remained at the scene until the situation was brought under control and the area was considered safe.
“The responding team withdrew from the scene at about 1745 hours of the same day.
“The Anambra State Fire Service urges motorists and other road users to exercise maximum caution, avoid excessive speed and remain vigilant while driving, particularly when carrying passengers.
“Fire kills, but we can prevent it,” the statement added.
