9 Feared dead in Imo auto crash during downpour

At least nine people are feared dead following a fatal auto crash that occurred late Sunday night along the Owerri, Okigwe Road, near Umunachi community, in Imo State.

The tragic incident happened during a heavy downpour and involved an articulated vehicle, which reportedly lost control and crashed. Although the official cause of the accident has not been confirmed, eyewitnesses blame excessive speeding in dangerous weather conditions.

“It rained heavily, yet drivers still sped as if the roads were dry. Now, nine people have lost their lives,” a visibly shaken resident at the scene told reporters.

As of press time, emergency responders had not released an official casualty figure, but local reports suggest the death toll could rise due to the severity of the crash and injuries sustained by survivors.

The incident has sparked renewed public outcry over road safety enforcement and the reckless driving habits common among drivers along the route.

Sunday’s crash occurred on the same stretch of road where, just weeks earlier on May 8, unidentified gunmen attacked travelers and set vehicles ablaze in what was believed to be an attempt to enforce a sit-at-home order.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the latest accident, but community leaders are calling on both state and federal agencies to improve traffic regulation, increase police patrols, and ensure that commercial drivers adhere to safe driving practices, especially during hazardous weather.