A tragic accident involving a Coastal bus from the Cross River State College of Nursing, Ogoja, claimed the life of 70-year-old Elliot Ushie Agana and left 29 others injured. The bus was carrying no fewer than 30 members of the Knights of the Catholic Church, who were traveling from Ogoja in Cross River State to Abatete in the Idemili North council area of Anambra State. The group was en route to attend the burial ceremony of Dr. Ezigbo Sunny, a fellow member.

The incident occurred at the UNIZIK Temporary Site Junction in Awka. According to Pastor Christian Ikere, one of the survivors, the coaster bus had been experiencing brake issues even before departing Ogoja. Despite passengers’ pleas to the driver to address the problem, their concerns were ignored. Another passenger, Mr. Chidiebere Chukwu, reported that one of the three coaster buses in the group lost control and attempted to signal other vehicles to clear the road. However, upon reaching the UNIZIK junction, it collided with an inter-city commercial vehicle that was loading passengers along the roadside, resulting in the fatal crash.

The body of the deceased has been taken to a morgue, while the 29 injured passengers are currently receiving medical attention at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Amaku, Awka.