A preliminary report from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has revealed how the tragic boat mishap that resulted in the deaths of Nollywood actor Junior Pope and four other crew members in Anambra State occurred. The NSIB disclosed this information during a press briefing on Friday, which coincided with the agency’s release of four additional final and preliminary reports. The bureau’s Director, Alex Badeh, during a press briefing, detailed how the accident occurred and highlighted several safety lapses.
The boat, which conveyed 12 actors and crew members, capsized on the Anam River in Anambra State on 10 April. Five passengers were lost. However, the NSIB stated that it did not receive official notification but became aware of the accident through social media, which prompted an investigation to be initiated on 14 April, adding that it aimed to recommend measures to prevent similar tragedies.
NSIB’s Enugu Regional Office investigators were sent to the accident site on 12 April. Initial findings by the agency indicated that the boat driver lacked certification, the fibreglass boat was not registered with the National Inland Waterways Authority, and the outboard-engined fibreglass boat was carrying 12 passengers and one boat driver. PREMIUM TIMES delivers fact-based journalism for Nigerians, by Nigerians — and our community of supporters, the readers who donate, make our work possible.
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