Tragedy struck in Imo State on Tuesday when a gas tanker collided with a commuter bus along the Owerri/Onitsha expressway, leaving 12 people dead, including four children, and eight others injured.

According to the Imo State Police Command, the gas tanker — marked T 16716 LA with the inscription NUPENG — was reportedly driving against traffic when it rammed into the bus. The bus was carrying members of the Jehovah’s Witness Church traveling from Anambra State to Agwa village in Imo.

Police spokesperson Henry Okoye confirmed the casualties, noting that the deceased, comprising eight adults and four children, have been taken to the Ogbaku Mortuary. The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at Divine Hospital Awo-Omamma.

“Wreckage on the road has been cleared and free flow of traffic restored by a team of police personnel in synergy with Road Safety officials,” Okoye said, adding that investigations into the crash are ongoing.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo, Aboki Danjuma, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged motorists to drive responsibly and avoid reckless behaviors such as driving against traffic.

This tragic incident adds to the growing concerns about road safety in Nigeria, where tanker-related accidents continue to claim lives on major highways.