Several people are feared dead after a speeding Toyota Sienna vehicle plowed into Oye-Agu Market, Abagana, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 11:10 a.m., causing widespread panic and disrupting trading activities in the market.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the driver of the vehicle lost control due to a brake failure, which led the car to ram into roadside traders, crushing some of them. The crash scattered goods and produce across the road, creating chaos in the marketplace.
While the exact number of casualties remains uncertain, the President-General of the Abagana Community, Ben Okongwu, confirmed that at least three people, including a young child, lost their lives in the crash. Several others sustained injuries and have been rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
“This is a tragic incident. We have lost three people, including a child, and others are battling injuries. It’s a sad day for our community,” Okongwu said while speaking to reporters.
The accident has drawn a large crowd to the scene, with local residents and emergency responders working together to rescue the injured and clear the area. Many are still reeling from the shock of the crash, and the market has been thrown into disarray.
Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State has yet to confirm the full details of the incident. When contacted, the FRSC spokesperson, Margaret Onabe, stated that she was not aware of the crash but promised to make inquiries and provide further updates.
The Oye-Agu Market crash has raised concerns over road safety and the dangers posed to roadside traders, who often operate close to traffic. Community leaders are calling for more stringent safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
