The Imo police command has initiated a manhunt for the driver of a truck involved in a devastating accident that resulted in the deaths of about 15 people and left several others injured.
The incident occurred on Saturday night at the Imo State University (IMSU) junction when a truck ran into four shuttle buses due to a brake failure.
In a statement released on Sunday, Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Imo, detailed the swift response by the operatives upon receiving information about the tragic accident.
He also confirmed that the families of the deceased have been contacted, and the victims’ bodies have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre morgue in Owerri.
Okoye elaborated on the incident, stating, “Our preliminary investigations have revealed that the driver of the Mack truck with registration number KWL 857 YE was heading towards the IMSU junction from Orji along Okigwe road. The driver allegedly lost control of his vehicle and diverted to a one-way, where he ran over four shuttle minibuses and some pedestrians, leaving many seriously injured.”
The statement further detailed the immediate actions taken by the police, including photographing and sketching the accident scene, clearing the vehicles to ensure the free flow of traffic, and ensuring the injured were swiftly taken to the hospital with the help of good-spirited individuals.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing driver, who left the scene immediately after the accident.
Okoye stated, “Efforts are in progress to contact the families of the deceased and injured victims and apprehend the driver of the truck who immediately fled the scene after the accident.”
Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. He also issued a stern reminder to road users to drive responsibly and regularly check the roadworthiness of their vehicles to prevent such tragedies.
“We, on our part, have begun a search for the fleeing driver who is currently at large. We promise to apprehend him sooner than later,” Okoye assured.
