On Wednesday, tragedy struck at Oye Agu Market in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, as a speeding vehicle lost control and rammed into the busy marketplace. The horrific accident has left many feared dead, while several others were injured, and market wares were destroyed.

How the Accident Happened

The details of the crash are still sketchy, but eyewitness reports indicate that the driver of a Sienna vehicle lost control while driving at high speed. The vehicle swerved off the road and plowed into traders and shoppers in the market, many of whom were caught off guard. Some of the victims were reportedly crushed as the vehicle came to a halt inside the crowded market.

Eyewitnesses said the market, which is known for its roadside sellers of fresh produce and other food items, was packed at the time of the crash. This made the impact particularly devastating. A video of the incident, now circulating on social media, shows the aftermath of the collision. The Sienna vehicle is seen crashed, with bodies of some traders believed to have been killed lying near the wreckage.

The accident did not only take lives but also destroyed property. The same viral video also captured the extensive damage caused by the crash. Various food items such as tomatoes, vegetables, and other perishables could be seen scattered across the ground, having been crushed by the vehicle or flung from vendors’ stands in the chaos. These goods, representing the livelihoods of many traders, were lost in an instant, adding economic pain to the already tragic loss of life.

Speaking on the incident, the President-General of Abagana community, Engr. Ben Okongwu, confirmed that at least three people had lost their lives in the crash. He described the crash as tragic, stating that the accident was a direct result of the driver’s inability to control the vehicle.

“Three people have been confirmed dead, and several others were injured,” Okongwu said. “The crash was caused by the driver losing control of the vehicle, which then slammed into the traders.

As of the time of this report, the spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State, RC Margaret Onabe, stated that she had not yet been briefed about the crash. It is expected that an official investigation will be launched to uncover more details about the incident, including whether there were any traffic violations or mechanical issues with the vehicle that could have contributed to the crash.

The Oye Agu Market is a popular destination for locals who buy and sell fresh produce and food items. The market plays a vital role in the economy of the area, and this accident has sent shockwaves through the community. Many residents are still in shock, mourning the loss of life and expressing concerns about the safety of roadside trading, which is common in many Nigerian markets.

The community is calling for better traffic control measures around busy marketplaces to prevent future occurrences of such accidents. Some have suggested creating designated spaces for roadside sellers away from the road to minimize their exposure to traffic.

It remains to be seen whether authorities will take further steps to address the aftermath of the incident. The market traders are hoping for assistance in recovering their losses, and the families of those who lost their lives will be looking to the government and community leaders for support during this difficult time.

For now, the immediate focus is on offering aid to the victims and investigating the cause of the crash to ensure that something like this never happens again.