Kenneth Udeh
A nursing Mother has lost both legs while scores have been critically injured in Umuahia capital of Abia State when a Tanker Conveying diesel allegedly in its bid to escape arrest from men of the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) rammed into shops and destroyed other vehicles in the process.
Eyewitness reports at the scene of the accident which occurred Along Warri Street in Umuahia said the Tragic incident occurred at about 4:08 PM on Friday evening.
Narrating the how it occurred the source who pleaded anonymity said the driver of the Truck while attempting to evade arrest by NSCDC operatives lost control of the vehicle due to brake failure in the process dragged a woman carrying her little child and rammed into the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) lock up shops.
Luck however prevailed as the shop owner had left the premises leaving behind a teenager of about 14 years old to attend to customers, the Boy on his path bolted away on sighting the oncoming Tanker which was speedily driving towards his direction at the shop after it had already lost control.
To the screams of the bewildered onlookers the Truck finally waged itself neck deep into the Shop, destroying many vehicles including tricycles popularly called “kele”, Nearby buildings , injuring others, leaving the Mother and her child Bleeding profusely and the woman’s legs badly Mangled and her Intestines bulging out.
Sensing danger and fear of Mob action the driver and his Conductors disembarked from the accidented Tanker and fled for safety at the nearby central police station.
Shortly after the occurrence Men of the Nigerian Fire Service, Police And similar agencies arrived at the scene to ensure safety and breakdown of law and order.
Efforts to reach the Police and Men of The Fire Service proved abortive as they were busy assessing the level of damage and evacuating the injured to the hospital.