Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Panic erupted in Agulu, Anambra State, after a fully loaded lorry lost control and crashed into St. Matthias Catholic Church, sparking a fire that sent thick smoke into the sky. The incident occurred along a busy stretch of the Agulu Lake–Golden Tulip Hotel Road, and witnesses reported seeing the lorry veer off the road before smashing through the church fence. The vehicle caught fire immediately after the collision, causing alarm among nearby residents and motorists.
Eyewitnesses said the crash happened late on Wednesday evening. The lorry, traveling at high speed, appeared to lose control on a sloping part of the road. Residents rushed to the scene to help, while others called emergency responders. Despite the dramatic nature of the accident, there were no reported casualties, as the church compound was largely empty at the time.
The driver of the lorry reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash. Fire service officials indicated that the main cause was likely speeding and loss of control. The Anambra State Fire Service responded promptly and contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to the church structure or nearby properties.
Authorities emphasized the importance of road safety, especially for drivers of heavy-duty vehicles traveling through populated areas. They also urged residents to report emergencies quickly and to maintain a safe distance from dangerous scenes involving fire or unstable vehicles.
In a related development, the Anambra State Fire Service confirmed a separate fire incident earlier in the week at an industrial site in Oduma Layout, Obosi. Firefighters responded and successfully controlled that blaze as well.
Local residents expressed relief that no one was harmed in the church crash, but many described the experience as frightening. Community leaders and church officials have called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, improved road signage, and better awareness campaigns for drivers to prevent similar incidents in the future. The crash highlights ongoing concerns about vehicle safety, speed regulation, and the risks posed to people living near busy roads in the state.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments