On Sunday, panic erupted at No 161 Beverly Hills Estate, GRA in Onitsha, Anambra State, when a truck caused a major accident. This 40-foot truck, loaded with cement and registered as Delta ASB 405YZ, crashed into a residential building, causing significant damage.
Despite the severity of the crash, no lives were lost. According to Ultimateblog.click, the driver lost control of the truck while navigating the steep hill leading to the estate. The truck smashed into the building, destroying two luxury cars, the perimeter fence, the gate, and several pillars.
The incident began when the Chief Security Officer of the estate warned the truck driver to turn back, as heavy-duty vehicles were not allowed due to the steep and hilly terrain. However, the driver ignored this advice and continued towards his destination to offload the cement at an unfinished building within the estate. As he attempted to maneuver the truck, the weight of the load caused it to descend rapidly, leading to the crash.
A resident of the estate, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, detailed the event. The source explained that as the driver tried to control the truck, it sped down the hill uncontrollably and rammed into the residential property, causing extensive damage to two cars, the fence, the gate, the walls, and other parts of the house.
The landlord, Uche Adoga, a retired civil servant, recounted his experience during the accident. He and his family were upstairs in their one-storey duplex when they heard a thunderous crash around 8 a.m. The noise was so loud that it left Adoga in a state of shock. He saw people gathering outside and was so overwhelmed that he temporarily lost consciousness.
Adoga described the aftermath of the crash, stating that his two cars, including a newly purchased one and a Venzer jeep, were completely wrecked by the truck. The truck had not only smashed through the gate and fence but also destroyed several pillars and other structures in the compound.
The driver, who was allegedly making phone calls at the time of the accident, attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by bystanders and other estate residents. He was subsequently taken to the 3’3 police station, where he is currently being detained. The truck has also been towed to the police station with the help of the local landlords, who blamed the driver for ignoring the security officer’s warning.
Adoga expressed his frustration, noting that the driver’s employer has not yet contacted him to address the damages or offer any form of support. He feels that the company is trying to evade responsibility for the extensive destruction caused by the truck.
When approached for a comment, the Divisional Police Officer of the 3’3 Police Station, CSP Chukwunonso Onunkwo, was unavailable. However, a senior police officer, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the detention of the driver but refused to provide further details about the incident.