Twelve people have died and eight others injured in a fatal collision between a gas tanker and a commuter bus along the Owerri/Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the accident in a statement issued on Tuesday, noting that the crash occurred on September 7, 2025, at about 9:00 p.m. near Njaba Bridge.

According to police, the tanker truck, with registration number T 16716 LA and bearing the inscription NUPENG, was driving against traffic when it rammed into a bus with registration number ABB 79 BX. The bus was conveying members of the Jehovah’s Witness Church from Anambra State to Agwa village in Imo State.

The collision killed 12 passengers — eight adults and four children — while eight others sustained injuries. The deceased were taken to Ogbaku Mortuary, and the injured are receiving treatment at Divine Hospital, Awo-Omamma. Police and Federal Road Safety officials have since cleared the wreckage and restored traffic flow.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also warned motorists against reckless practices such as one-way driving, speeding, and negligence, which he said remain major causes of road fatalities.

“Motorists must prioritize safety, obey traffic regulations, and drive responsibly to safeguard lives and property,” the statement read.

The Police Command said investigations into the accident are ongoing and encouraged members of the public with useful information to contact the nearest police station or call 08148024755 or 08034773600.