A gas tanker truck collided with a commercial bus in Imo State, killing 12 people on the Owerri/Onitsha Expressway.
The incident that occurred on Tuesday affected four children and eight adults.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, said eight others sustained injuries.
He said the gas tanker, with registration number T 16716 LA and marked with the inscription NUPENG, was driving against traffic when it crashed into the bus, which was carrying members of the Jehovah’s Witness Church from Anambra state to Agwa village in Imo.
According to Okoye, the deceased have been taken to Ogbaku Mortuary, and the injured are receiving treatment at Divine Hospital Awo-Omamma.
He stated that police have launched an investigation into the crash, adding that the road has since been cleared, and traffic flow restored through the coordinated efforts of the police and road safety personnel.
“Regrettably, twelve persons lost their lives in the accident, eight adults and four children, while eight persons were injured,” he said.
“The deceased have been evacuated and deposited at Ogbaku Mortuary, while the injured persons are receiving treatment at Divine Hospita,l Awo-Omamma.
“Wreckage on the road has been cleared and free flow of traffic restored by a team of police personnel led by the DPO of Awo-Omamma in synergy with Road Safety personnel.
“Further updates will be communicated as investigations progress.”
On his part, the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, extended condolences to the families of the victims.
He urged motorists to avoid reckless behaviours such as driving against traffic.
See the full statement below:
IMO STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE OF 9TH SEPTEMBER, 2025
FATAL ACCIDENT AT OWERRI/ONITSHA ROAD: POLICE COMMENCE INVESTIGATION, CAUTION AGAINST ONE-WAY DRIVING
The Imo State Police Command has launched an investigation into a fatal motor accident that occurred on 7th September 2025, at about 2100 hours, along Owerri/Onitsha Road Hill, after Njaba Bridge.
The tragic crash involved a gas tanker truck with registration number T 16716 LA, bearing the inscription NUPENG, which was driving against traffic (one-way), and a commuter bus with registration number ABB 79 BX, transporting members of Jehovah’s Witness Church from Anambra State to Agwa village in Imo State.
Regrettably, twelve persons lost their lives in the accident, eight adults and four children while eight persons were injured. The deceased have been evacuated and deposited at Ogbaku Mortuary while the injured persons are receiving treatment at Divine Hospital Awo-Omamma. Wreckage on the road has been cleared and free flow of traffic restored by a team of police personnel led by the DPO of Awo-Omamma in synergy with Road Safety personnel.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, expresses deep condolences to the bereaved families, wishes the injured persons quick recovery and warns motorists against reckless practices such as driving against traffic, excessive speeding, and negligence, which remain leading causes of fatal road accidents. He urges all road users to prioritize safety, obey traffic regulations, and drive responsibly to safeguard lives and property.
Further updates will be communicated as investigations progress. Members of the public who may have useful information are encouraged to contact the nearest police station or call 08148024755, 08034773600.
DSP OKOYE HENRY, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
Imo State Command