The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report on the tragic boat accident that claimed the life of actor Junior Pope and four others on April 10 in the Anam River.
According to the report presented by the NSIB director, Cpt. Alex Baden, the agency was not officially informed about the accident but learned about it through social media. Investigators from the Enugu Regional office of NSIB were dispatched to the accident site on April 12, 2024.
The report revealed that the driver of the boat involved in the accident was not certified. The boat was overcrowded, which distracted the driver, leading to the collision with a slower-moving canoe. This collision caused the boat to capsize, throwing all passengers into the river.
Contrary to earlier claims by the movie producer that life jackets were provided, the report stated that only one passenger had a life jacket, which was not provided by the boat operator. The passenger wearing the life jacket was one of the survivors of the accident.
In its safety recommendations, the NSIB urged the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to ensure that all boats engaged in commercial activities on the national inland waterways are registered. It also emphasized the importance of implementing and enforcing adequate safety measures in inland waterways to prevent future accidents.
The findings of the NSIB report shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of Junior Pope and four other individuals.
