Tragedy struck on Tuesday when a popular transport operator, Mr. Anayochukwu Durunwaneri, a father of 10 children, lost his life in a fatal motor accident involving a Dangote truck along the Lagos–Benin Expressway, near Ovia River Bridge.
Eyewitnesses said the Dangote truck, allegedly at high speed, rammed into Durunwaneri’s Sienna vehicle from behind, causing it to somersault multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time of the crash, the father of 10 was travelling with his youngest son, Chidubem, and a passenger who had chartered his vehicle from Lagos to Imo State. Both survived the accident and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Until his death, Durunwaneri was a well-known international driver and entrepreneur who owned a thriving transport company operating out of Isiekenesi, Imo State.
He established a motor station at Afoukwu Market, which provided daily transport services to Lagos. Residents said his business was a lifeline for many in the community and adjoining villages, often relied upon for transporting the elderly, patients, and families attending ceremonies or burials.
Beyond business, Durunwaneri was described as a social and community-minded man who actively identified with the welfare of his people.
As the first son of his family, he was the primary caregiver to his aged mother, wife, ten children, siblings, and dozens of workers under his employment.
Following his death, activities at the Afoukwu Market, Lagos station have ground to a halt, leaving many workers stranded and dependent families in distress.
Community members say the loss of Durunwaneri has created both a personal and economic vacuum in Isiekenesi.
In the wake of the tragedy, calls have gone out to well-meaning individuals and organisations to support his immediate family financially, as they struggle to cope with the sudden loss of their breadwinner.
