News

New Yam Festival Tragedy Leave 15 Persons Including Masquerades Dead In Anambra State

Published

9 years ago

October 14, 2015

THE Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has been thrown into mourning following the loss of at least 15 persons, including some masquerades, in a motor accident during the community’s New Yam festival last Sunday.
Those, who sustained injuries are receiving treatment in various hospitals in the area.
It was gathered that as the people gathered at the square to watch masquerade performances, the 911 lorry with number plate: Enugu LG 66 BBG, lost control and hit several people, masquerades and vehicles, killing many instantly.
The lorry was loaded with plywood at the time it rammed into other vehicles in the busy square. An eye witness said that immediately the accident happened, the celebration came to an abrupt end, throwing the community into confusion and mourning.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Ali Okechukwu confirmed the incident and the number of casualties.
Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, who visited the community yesterday, promised to settle the hospital bills of the injured persons. He also promised to cater for the family members of the dead.
Commiserating with the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Goddy Ezechukwu, the governor regretted the loss and promised to start palliative work on the deplorable Umuchu-Umunze road to ensure free flow of traffic in the area.
He directed the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, to ensure that motorists do not exceed their speed limit to curtail the rate of accidents.