From chuks Collins,
No fewer than ten persons were reported to have died early this morning at the foot of the Agulu hilly road in Anaocha Council of Anambra state when the brake systems of a fully loaded truck failed and the driver lost control of the vehicle and it rammed into two other vehicles.
A yet-be-ascertained number of other individuals were reportedly severely injured and were rushed to nearby St Joseph’s hospital in Adazi-Nnukwu where they are currently receiving medical attention.
When news of the accident reached the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano in Awka, he quickly suspended ongoing weekly State Executive Council meeting he was presiding in his office and dashed out to the scene.
After inspecting the accident scene, the governor who was accompanied by some top state officials proceeded immediately to the hospital where the injured victims were already receiving medical attention.
Reacting to the sad event,Gov Obiano regretted the heavy loss, and ordered the immediate transfer of the victims to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka for better and more comprehensive medical care.
He also promised to offset all the medical bills of the affected persons. The remains of the dead persons have been deposited at the mortuary while citizens have been called upon to check on their relations who left on journey through the Agulu-Ekwulobia or Nnewi-Awka route or Awka-Owerri-Aba-Umuahia-Portharcourt route today.
Consequently he directed that a road barricade be built immediately at the neck of the road to avert such fatal situation in future.
This was because the accident was said to have been occasioned by brake failure of a heavy duty truck carrying heavy metal objects which then smashed two other vehicles that were coming from opposite direction.
The priest in charge of the St Joseph’s hospital Rev Fr Jerome Okafor, commended the governor’s poactive action of providing medical facilities in state as well as prompt visit to the victims.
He described Gov Obiano as an outstanding leader with human feelings.
The governor was accompanied to the scene by the Secretary to the state government -Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff -Chief Primus Odili, the Commissioner of Police -CP John Abang, Commissioner for Health -Vincent Okpala, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment -Mr Cdon Adinuba, amongst other to government officials
