Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha escaped death by whiskers on Friday afternoon in an accident involving his official car and a privately owned Mercedes Benz car.
The governor sustained head injuries and was immediately rushed to St. Mary’s Children & Community Hospital, Umuowa, Orlu, where he received treatment. Government sources say he may also travel abroad for proper medical attention.
It was learnt that Governor Okorocha and his entourage were in Orlu for an inspection tour when the incident occurred. The driver of the Mercedes Benz car, who also sustained minor injuries and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre for treatment, has been arrested by the Police.
According to government sources, the governor was occupying in the front seat with his driver when the SUV had a head-on collision with the Mercedes Benz 200, which was said to have run into the Governor’s convoy
Apart from Okorocha who sustained injuries on the head, no other member of the entourage was injured. Though the governor said he sustained a minor injury, it was further learnt that arrangements were being made to secure the best medical attention abroad.
Confirming the incident, State Commissioner for Information, Culture & Tourism, Mr. Chinedu Offor said the Governor was fine but may seek better medical attention.
“His Excellency was involved in a car crash,” he said. “A Mercedes 200 car ran into him in a head-on collision. He sustained minor head injuries.”
He added that the governor was not wheeled into the hospital but that he actually walked in by himself. He confirmed that he was in a stable condition.
Okorocha, who later emerged from the hospital with a bandaged head, confirmed that he was strong enough to be discharged, but added that he would seek further medical attention as a result of the impact of the accident on him.
