Tragedy Strikes As Gas Tanker On Wrong Lane Collides With Bus Carrying Worshippers, Leaving Twelve People Dead

 

A devastating road accident has claimed the lives of at least twelve people after a gas tanker collided with a commuter bus along the busy Owerri–Onitsha expressway in Imo state. The crash, which occurred on Tuesday, has left families in deep mourning and renewed concerns about reckless driving habits on Nigerian highways.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying. The gas tanker, reportedly marked with registration number T 16716 LA and carrying the logo of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), was said to have been driving against traffic when it slammed into the bus. The bus, filled with members of the Jehovah’s Witness congregation traveling from Anambra state to Agwa village in Imo, was no match for the force of the impact.

According to the Imo state police command, eight adults and four children lost their lives instantly. The state police spokesman, Henry Okoye, confirmed the details while briefing journalists. He noted that another eight passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving urgent medical attention at Divine Hospital Awo-Omamma. Bodies of the deceased have been deposited at Ogbaku Mortuary, where grieving relatives are expected to identify their loved ones.

Okoye explained that officers immediately mobilized to the scene, working alongside road safety operatives to clear the wreckage and restore order. Their swift intervention helped reopen the highway, which had been blocked by the mangled remains of both vehicles. “Regrettably, twelve persons lost their lives in the accident, eight adults and four children, while eight persons were injured,” Okoye stated. “The deceased have been evacuated and deposited at Ogbaku Mortuary while the injured persons are receiving treatment at Divine Hospital Awo-Omamma.”

The spokesperson added that investigations have commenced to determine the exact cause of the crash and to hold responsible parties accountable. Preliminary findings suggest the gas tanker was on the wrong side of the road, an act that directly contributed to the tragedy.

The incident has sparked outrage from residents and travelers who have long complained about the dangers of reckless driving by heavy-duty vehicles. Many commuters lamented that the Owerri–Onitsha route, one of the busiest highways in the South East, has witnessed frequent accidents due to careless drivers who disregard traffic rules.

Aboki Danjuma, commissioner of police in Imo state, expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured victims. He condemned the reckless conduct of the tanker driver and urged motorists across the state to shun dangerous practices such as speeding, driving under the influence, and taking the wrong lanes. According to him, lives could be saved if road users obey traffic regulations and exercise patience on congested routes.

Relatives of the victims have begun gathering at both the hospital and the mortuary. Many broke down in tears as they received confirmation of their losses. Members of the Jehovah’s Witness community were particularly shaken, as the accident claimed worshippers who had set out for what was supposed to be a routine journey of fellowship and faith.

Road safety experts have emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to curb such disasters. Analysts believe that while education and awareness campaigns are important, only firm penalties and visible policing can deter commercial drivers who habitually flout rules. Calls have also grown louder for government authorities to create better rest stops and regulate the working conditions of truck drivers, many of whom spend long hours on the road with little rest, making them more prone to fatigue and poor judgment.

For many, this accident is yet another grim reminder of the fragility of life on Nigerian roads. Statistics from road safety agencies indicate that collisions involving fuel and gas tankers often result in catastrophic outcomes due to the size and weight of the vehicles, combined with the explosive nature of their cargo. Although the tanker involved in this crash did not explode, the loss of lives underscores the urgent need for reform in the nation’s transport sector.

Communities along the Owerri–Onitsha expressway are now mourning together. Friends, families, and fellow worshippers of the deceased have organized vigils to honor the victims, while prayers are being offered for those battling injuries in hospital wards. For many survivors and witnesses, the terrifying sound of the collision and the sight of lifeless bodies will remain etched in memory for years to come.

As investigations continue, citizens are urging both state and federal authorities to use this tragedy as a catalyst for action. Stronger enforcement, better driver training programs, and infrastructural improvements are being called for, with the hope that similar tragedies can be averted in the future. For now, Imo state grieves twelve lives cut short on a journey that was meant to bring people together in faith, fellowship, and family.