In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded on Friday, December 29, a family of eight met a tragic end during what was supposed to be a joyous journey home for New Year celebrations.
The fatal auto crash transpired in the Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, leaving an entire family shattered.
The calamity struck around 3 p.m. as the father, behind the wheel of a Sienna vehicle carrying his wife and children, collided with a stationary truck loaded with iron rods.
The impact of the collision was catastrophic, claiming the lives of all family members on board.
Rescuers, comprised of local residents and police, faced the grim task of breaking open the mangled Sienna vehicle to recover the lifeless bodies.
The victims, pierced by iron rods, bore fatal injuries, and their remains were subsequently deposited at a morgue.
Confirming the tragic incident, Chief Superintendent of Police Lucky Ahiole, the Divisional Police Officer overseeing Ikeduru LGA, detailed the gruesome outcome, emphasizing the severity of the collision that resulted in the deaths.
Another Dark Day on Kaduna-Kachia Highway: Ten Lives Lost in Road Mishap
In a separate yet equally devastating incident on the Kaduna-Kachia highway, a family of ten faced a tragic fate as their lives were cut short in a road accident. The family was returning from a wedding in Kano State when the fatal collision occurred near Makyelli, close to Idon, around 5 p.m.
All victims were male family members, including married men who were residents of Kachia, Kaduna State, but originally hailed from Kano.
Zubairu Mato, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), disclosed that the accident resulted from a dangerous overtaking maneuver, causing the driver to lose control.
The collision involved their vehicle and a lorry transporting firewood, leading to the untimely demise of eight adults and two children. Mato highlighted that the Gulf car was overloaded at the time of the accident, underscoring the dangerous circumstances that contributed to the tragedy.
As these communities grapple with the loss of 18 lives in two separate incidents, the holiday season takes on a somber tone, marking a grim start to the New Year for those affected by these heartbreaking accidents.