April 14, (THEWILL)- The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the fatal boat accident that claimed the lives of Nollywood actor, Paul Odonwodo, aka Junior Pope, and four others on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, on the Anam River in Anambra State.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, and signed by the Bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the tragic incident involved a commercial speedboat and a fishing canoe.
The boat carrying twelve film crew members and a boat operator reportedly crashed into the canoe, resulting in the loss of five lives.
Others who lost their lives in the boat accident, according to the statement, included Ms. Abigail Frederick, Mr. Precious Oforum, and Mr. Joseph Anointing.
Reacting, the Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said: “The NSIB extends its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking accident. We share in your grief and are fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragedy and prevent similar occurrences in the future.”
According to Oladeji, an investigation team has been dispatched to the accident site, and inquiry has begun.
The investigation scope, Oladeji said, includes but is not limited to examination of the wreckage from both vessels involved in the collision, interviews with surviving crew members and eyewitnesses, review of operational procedures for the commercial speed boat, analysis of weather and environmental conditions at the time of the accident, and assessment of compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations for inland waterway transportation.
“NSIB will collaborate with relevant authorities, including the Marine Police section of the Anambra State Police Command, maritime authorities, and industry experts during the investigation.
“The bureau will release its findings in a preliminary report, followed by a final report upon the investigation’s conclusion. These reports aim to enhance safety by providing recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims affected by the Anam boat mishap,” Oladeji added.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
