Three people die in Anambra truck accident

The scene of the crash. Credit: FRSC

Three people have died and four others are seriously injured after a truck crashed and caught fire near St. Jude Catholic Church, Adazi-Ani, on the Nnobi, Agulu, Awka Road in Anambra State.

The accident happened around 10am on Friday. The truck was carrying passengers to work when it lost control, crashed into a roadside barricade, and flipped over before bursting into flames.

Eyewitnesses said some passengers were trapped inside as the vehicle caught fire. Community members and people passing by rushed to help rescue those trapped before emergency responders arrived.

One eyewitness said, “The driver was going down the road when the brakes failed. He lost control and crashed into the barricade, killing some people instantly and injuring others.

“The accident happened around 10am on Friday. The vehicle was on fire while the victims were still trapped. Some community members and passersby helped to evacuate the trapped victims before transport officials got there.

“The road is very narrow, and there is no alternative bridge for vehicles going up and down the hilly area. This always causes traffic accidents along that road.”

Margaret Onabe, the Sector Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra, confirmed the incident. She said the crash involved a Mercedes-Benz 608 truck with registration number XB270NNL.

Onabe said early investigations showed that the vehicle had a mechanical failure while moving, which caused the driver to lose control.

The statement read, “The Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra State Sector Command, has confirmed a fatal lone road traffic crash that occurred on Friday, July 17, 2026, at about 10am near St. Jude Catholic Church, Adazi-Ani, on the Nnobi, Agulu, Awka Road.

“The crash involved a Mercedes-Benz 608 commercial truck with registration number XB270NNL. Preliminary investigation found that the vehicle had a mechanical failure while moving, caught fire, and the driver then lost control.

“The truck crashed into a roadside barricade, flipped over, and trapped some passengers as it caught fire. A total of seven male passengers were involved in the crash. Three people died, while four others were seriously injured.

“FRSC rescue personnel got the distress call at 10:35am and arrived at the scene by 10:45am, taking 10 minutes to respond.”

Onabe said FRSC officials quickly set up traffic control measures, diverted vehicles to the opposite lane, and arranged to remove the burnt truck from the road.

She added that the Sector Commander of FRSC Anambra State Command, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and wished the injured a quick recovery.

“She reminded everyone that the Corps is committed to quick emergency response and road safety enforcement across the state.

“The command advised drivers, especially those with commercial vehicles, to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before any journey.

“Drivers should also avoid carrying flammable or dangerous materials in passenger areas or under unsafe conditions. Regular vehicle maintenance can help prevent mechanical problems that could lead to serious accidents.

“The FRSC is dedicated to protecting lives and property on Nigerian roads. They urge Ndi Anambra to prioritize safety above all,” the statement concluded.