Six people were killed and seven others injured after a speeding Toyota car crashed into traders and commercial motorcyclists at Umuikaa Junction in  South Local Government in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.

The accident occurred on Tuesday along the Enugu–Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway when the vehicle, travelling from the Umuahia axis, reportedly lost control and ploughed into people gathered at the busy junction.

Eyewitnesses said many of the victims were female traders. The vehicle also struck several commercial motorcycle operators before crashing into a nearby building.

Six motorcycles were damaged in the incident.

The bodies of the deceased were evacuated to a mortuary after they were confirmed dead, while the injured were taken to hospital for treatment.

The exact cause of the crash has not been officially determined. However, some residents attributed the accident to excessive speed or a possible brake failure.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident. Speaking on Wednesday, the Abia State Sector Commander, C.C. Ngozi Ezeoma, said, “Yes, it happened at Umuikaa Junction.” She did not provide further details.