Grief engulfed Umuahia over the weekend following a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of no fewer than 14 wedding guests returning from a marriage ceremony.

The victims were travelling from Enugu State on Saturday night when the coaster bus conveying them collided head-on with an articulated vehicle along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, near the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ozalla.

Eyewitnesses said the crash occurred around 6:00 p.m., a short distance from the busy 4-Corner Junction. Fourteen passengers reportedly died on the spot, while others later succumbed to injuries at hospitals. Several survivors are still receiving treatment in medical facilities in Umuahia.

Most of the deceased were traders dealing in foodstuffs at Bonny Street, off Owerri Road near Isi Gate, Umuahia. The groom, Mr MacDonald Okechukwu—an indigene of Orlu in Imo State—was said to be among the traders in the area. His wife hails from Amagunze, where the traditional marriage and wedding ceremony were held shortly before the tragic journey.

A visit to Bonny Street on Monday revealed a sombre atmosphere, as shops were shut and sympathisers gathered to console bereaved families.

Miss Glory Chiamaka Orji, 27, who lost her father in the crash, said the family was still struggling to accept the loss. Her late father, Mr Sunday Nkemakolam, was from Isuochi in Abia State.

“He was hale and hearty before embarking on the journey,” she said, adding that the groom was formerly their co-tenant at No. 8 Bonny Street before relocating about a year ago.

Another trader, who asked not to be named, described the groom as warm and sociable, noting that he personally invited many traders, accounting for the large turnout. She said at least eight traders from Bonny Street lost their lives, while one survivor remains in a coma after losing close family members in the crash.

A popular Umuahia-based master of ceremonies, MC Counsellor, who anchored the wedding, was also among the deceased.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Bonny Street Traders Association, Mr James Edeh, described the accident as horrific. He said preliminary information suggested the bus was allegedly driving against traffic when the trailer attempted to overtake a tricycle, resulting in the fatal collision.

“We evacuated 12 bodies, including eight traders, two kinsmen of the groom and two other guests,” Edeh said, adding that two bodies were left in Enugu to aid identification by relatives.

He disclosed that injured victims are receiving treatment in private hospitals in Umuahia, while others with fractures are admitted at the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital. He appealed to the Abia State Government to intervene urgently to support the survivors’ medical care.

Reacting, the Commissioner for Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Ngozi Blessing Felix, said she could not comment immediately. However, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the governor had directed officials to identify the victims for assistance.

“The governor has expressed deep sadness over the incident and directed the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection to identify the victims and their families to enable government support the injured and assist bereaved families,” he said.

The tragedy has plunged the trading community and families of the victims into mourning, once again drawing attention to the persistent dangers on Nigeria’s highways.