Umuaka Times visits family that lost man and his son in an accident.
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Umuaka Times visits family that lost man and his son in an accident.
Sunday February 25, 2024 remains the day the struggling family of the late Emmanuel Duru of Umuaku in Umuele Amazano will never forget in several decades to come.
On this tragic day, the breadwinner of the family, Mr Emmanuel Duru, an only son of his parents was crushed to death by a careless driver of a Toyota SUV in Afor Umuaka alongside with his son, Chidera Duru who was also an only son of his late father Emmanuel. By the time of his death, Chidera was just 8 years old. From an eyewitness account, on the fateful evening, the SUV driver was said to be on top speed and possibly lost control as he was driving from Orlu towards Owerri. At Afor Umuaka as Phil Collins would put it, “something happened on the way to heaven” and the accident occurred.
Mr Emmanuel Duru died on the spot while Chidera, his 8 year old only son died on the way to a nearby hospital. By the time Umuaka Times reporters arrived at the scene of the tragic accident, several people had gathered and there were some abortive attempts to lynch the driver of the SUV.
On Tuesday 27 February 2024, Umuaka Times reporters paid a condolence visit to the bereaved family in Umuaku in Umuele Amazano. The Umuaka Times reporters noticed a few number of women from the community who came to keep the widow of Emmanuel Duru company.
From what Umuaka Times obtained from the family, the late Emmanuel with his son was on a trip to pay a visit to his sister married in Obinwanne community before the accident occurred in Afor Umuaka. Mrs Justina Iwu, the sister in question was also seen in the family as she wailed and asked God why.
From the day the incident occurred, several Akalites have sent their condolences to the family. Top among them was the royal father of Umuele Amazano Autonomous Community HRH Eze Caesar Duruegbusuo. In a chat with Umuaka Times two days after the accident, Eze Caesar condemned in outright terms the reckless and over-speeding manner people drive their cars especially younger ones. The royal father extended his heartfelt condolences to the widow and family members of the late Emmanuel Duru.
Umuaka Times gathered finally that the incident was reported at Njaba Police Station last week.
