A heart-wrenching accident unfolded on Thursday at the Ulasi River Bridge, Okija Junction, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, when a tanker truck lost control and plowed into a commercial vehicle. The violent impact claimed the lives of a mother and her young child instantly, leaving the entire community in shock and grief.

According to eyewitness accounts, the fully loaded tanker was traveling at high speed as it approached the notorious sharp bend near the bridge — an area residents say has been the scene of multiple deadly accidents over the years. In a matter of seconds, the driver reportedly lost control, veered off course, and crashed directly into the passenger vehicle, crushing its front section beyond recognition.

The force of the collision left several other passengers trapped and injured. Emergency responders, assisted by bystanders, worked frantically to pull survivors from the wreckage before rushing them to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care. While reports confirm multiple injuries, the exact number of casualties is still yet to be officially determined, as authorities continue to account for all victims.

Local residents have described the bend as a “death trap” for motorists, especially when large vehicles like tankers fail to slow down. Many have renewed calls for the government to install speed bumps, proper road signs, and other safety measures to prevent further tragedies.

Authorities have since launched an investigation into the crash to determine whether mechanical failure, reckless driving, or other factors were responsible. The driver of the tanker is said to be in police custody as part of the ongoing probe.

For now, the Okija community mourns the loss of a mother and child whose lives were cut short in an instant — a grim reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and inadequate road safety enforcement.