Eight-year-old dies, others hurt in Anambra bus crash

The Anambra State Fire Service has reported that an eight-year-old girl died and several others were hurt in an accident near Anabel Event Centre on the Onitsha, Enugu Expressway.

A statement from the Media and Publicity Unit of the Service, led by Chukwudi Chiketa, said the crash happened when a commercial bus carrying passengers from Nnewi to Enugu overturned.

Chiketa mentioned that the bus had 14 passengers when the accident took place on Sunday.

The fire service got the emergency call around 3:30 PM. Their team quickly went to the scene to check the situation, secure the area, and help with the rescue of victims.

The statement said, "The Anambra State Fire Service responded to a road traffic accident involving a fully loaded commercial bus at Anabel Event Centre, Awka, on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

The emergency call was received at about 1530 hours. A commercial bus coming from Nnewi to Enugu had crashed and overturned. Fire Service personnel quickly mobilised to the scene to assess the situation, secure the area, and assist in rescuing and evacuating victims.

The bus, known locally as "tracas," was carrying 14 passengers. Some parts of the bus were damaged in the accident. Luckily, there was no fire at the scene.

Several passengers suffered different levels of injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, an eight-year-old girl lost her life in the crash.

Chiketa added that the fire service team took safety measures to prevent any further incidents and stayed at the scene until everything was under control and the area was safe.

"The responding team withdrew from the scene at about 1745 hours on the same day.

The Anambra State Fire Service is advising drivers and all road users to be very careful, avoid speeding, and stay alert while driving, especially when carrying passengers.

"Fire kills, but we can prevent it," the statement concluded.