An eight-year-old girl has died and several others were injured after a commercial bus carrying 14 passengers crashed and overturned along the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway in Anambra State.

The accident occurred on Sunday near the Anabel Event Centre in Awka as the bus was travelling from Nnewi to Enugu, according to the Anambra State Fire Service.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Service’s Media and Publicity Unit, led by Chukwudi Chiketa, said it received an emergency call about the crash at about 3:30 p.m.

Fire Service personnel quickly arrived at the scene, secured the area and assisted in rescuing and evacuating the victims. The injured passengers were taken to hospital for medical treatment.

The affected vehicle, a commercial bus popularly known as a “tracas,” was damaged in the crash. The Fire Service said there was no fire outbreak.

The eight-year-old girl was confirmed dead at the scene, while several other passengers sustained injuries of varying degrees.

Firefighters took precautionary measures to prevent further incidents and remained at the scene until the situation was brought under control. The team left at about 5:45 p.m.

The Fire Service urged motorists and other road users to exercise caution, avoid excessive speed and remain vigilant, particularly when transporting passengers.