By YouNews

Copyright younewsng

By, Emeka Echewodor

A fatal accident has occured as Christian from Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, no fewer than 15 die in a road crash at Awomama Bridge in Imo State, evening hours of Sunday, September 7th.

The accident occurred about 6.45 p.m. at a deplorable spot on Awomama Bridge in the state.

The victims, from Agwa community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, were in a bus returning from the annual Jehovah’s Witness Convention in Uli, Anambra State.

A trailer coming from a one-way traffic lane collided with the bus conveying the worshippers.

Their bodies have been deposited in a morgue….

YOUNEWS has however confirmed from an elder in one of the congregations of Jehovah’s witnesses in Lagos ,whose elder sister’s family were involved that the accident was fatal but there were survivors.

He mentioned that not all the passengers died,as some are recuperating at the hospital now.

” Yes from from neighboring village.

My mum first daughter and kids were involved.

The first son of 19 yrs is among the 12 that died

My sister and other kids sustained various injuries and are currently hospitalized.”

YOUNEWS learnt “it was a gory site, the vehicle and many of the occupants’ body were chartered.”

Chairman of Oguta Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Nnani, described the incident as a tragic loss for the community.

In a condolence message issued through his aide, Orum Desmond, on Tuesday, he commiserated with the bereaved families and prayed for God’s comfort over the community.

“Oguta Local Government Area has once again witnessed another dark moment, very tragic and sorrowful.

“These pathetic incidents have once more reminded the people of Oguta, and Agwa, of the intense sorrow that took away the lives of Agwa people suddenly in the past,” he said.

“May God Almighty comfort and provide for the immediate families, and strengthen them, mainly during this dark and mourning period. May their souls and the souls of other faithful departed, through the mercies of God, rest in peace. Amen,” he consoled.

In their condolences, the Mazi Progressive Network (MPN), in a statement signed by the Media Coordinator and Public Communication Head Unit, Oguta Local Council Chapter, Imo State, Ralph Ibe, and the kinsmen of the victims, under the aegis of Renaissance Oguta Constituency (ROC), in another statement signed by the Convener, John Uchenwoke-Epkerechi, expressed grief over the carnage, urging both the federal and state governments to fix the road infrastructure in the state to tackle avoidable loss of lives

YOUNEWS is aware that Condolences messages have been pouring in from different corners, even as many witnesses rally round the families of the victims.

YOUNEWS learnt that some of the travelling Conventioners who just concluded their “Pure Worship” Annual Gathering sustained varying degrees of injuries in the road accident .

Immediately, the victims were evacuated to the nearby Hospital for immediate attention.These were noticeable critically injured .

Some among the Witnesses on ground told us: “We are very grateful to the emergency personnel who promptly arrived on the scene to render aid and to the hospital staff who are caring for the injured”.

Others bystanders around the scene of the incidence were also deeply moved and encouraged by the love and support shown by their fellow believers. A woman, a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses who was at the scene when the accident occurred recalls: “I immediately began praying to Jehovah. The real concern and care from fellow brothers in a quickly manner, to me, was a reflection of Jehovah’s love and concern for each of us.”

A woman in the community said beyond the pains and anguish caused by the tragic losses, she is deeply moved and encouraged by the love and support shown by their fellow believers…”to them these deceased ones are sleeping in death.. Resurrection hope resonates regularly in their condolences”

Another member, an elder, as all Overseers who are among those take the led are called who traveled to comfort fellow members affected by the rather unfortune incidence observes: “While there is much shock, pain, and trauma, I am encouraged by the positive spirit of the brothers who have been hurt”.

Craving anonymity he said: “As a worldwide brotherhood, we pray for the victims’ families – our dear brothers and sisters and all those affected by this terrible tragedy. We find solace and peace in the Bible’s promise of a future without accident, and death.

We remain determined to keep putting our complete confidence and trust in Jehovah – Psalm 56:3”.