45 Escape Death In Warri Multiple Crash

file: auto crash

file: auto crash

At least nine cars were yesterday involved yesterday in a multiple collision on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Expressway in Warri, Delta State.

According to sources, the incident occurred at about 1pm at a roadblock manned by soldiers involved in special security surveillance in the city.

It was a miracle that no one died in the ghastly auto crash in which most of the vehicles involved were badly damaged, but none of the 45 passengers was killed, and some who sustained injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.

An eyewitness said nine children who were being conveyed in a Toyota Camry car with registration number, Delta EFR 785 AM, one of the vehicles involved in the accident, were among the 45 passengers who escaped death.

According to reports, the accident occurred when the break of a lorry loaded with sand failed and it ran into other vehicles at the checkpoint near the Ogunu flyover.

Speaking on his miraculous escape, owner of the car into which the lorry hit, Mr. Rowland Adejewhoro, said he lost control of his car when the lorry suddenly slammed into it, pushing it to ram into the vehicle in front of him, setting off a domino effect.

“How we escaped unhurt is a miracle. I’ve never seen such an accident before.   I can only thank God for saving me because we could have been crushed to death by the tipper. Imagine the children that were in my car!” the man said.

In his reaction, Transition Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Austine Oroye, absolved the soldiers of any blame, as he said the roadblock was legitimate.

Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, Nigerian Army Effurun, Lt. Col. Ifeanyi Out was not available for comments