Horror as multiple accidents claim 10 lives, 10 injuries on Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway
By ABIRHIRE THOMAS reporting from Enugu
Authorities are expected to step up efforts to ensure safer roads and reduce the number of preventable accidents on Nigerian highways.
The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed that 10 people lost their lives in two separate fatal accidents along the Ozalla/Four-Corner axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.
The crashes, which occurred on Wednesday, also left 10 others with varying degrees of injuries. The injured are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.
Police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who disclosed this in a statement issued in Enugu, described the incidents as unfortunate and condoled with the families who lost loved ones.
According to him, the first crash occurred around 9 a.m. and involved multiple vehicles.
“A Howo truck, inscribed Visco Investment Global and loaded with bags of cement, was en route Abuja from Aba, Abia State, when it collided with a Toyota Corolla while attempting to overtake another truck. A Foton bus and a Daihatsu Hijet mini-bus, both driving one-way, were also caught in the collision.
“Sadly, the truck head and the Toyota Corolla went up in flames, and five occupants of the car were burnt to death. A passenger in the mini-bus also died and was confirmed by the attending doctor,” Ndukwe said.
He added that a second accident occurred around 3 p.m. on the same road.
“This time, it involved a Sino truck belonging to Global Investment and a tricycle. The truck, laden with cement and driving one-way from Garriki Enugu to Nenwe in Aninri LGA, rammed into the tricycle, killing its four occupants, who were rushed to the hospital but later confirmed dead,” he explained.
Ndukwe noted that the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Giwa, has mourned the tragic loss of lives and commiserated with the bereaved families.
The commissioner also directed the State Motor Traffic Department to carry out a diligent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crashes.
“These accidents were avoidable. Drivers must exercise the highest caution, especially during these Ember Months when road traffic increases and the risk of accidents is higher,” Giwa said, urging motorists to shun recklessness, obey traffic rules, and prioritize safety over speed.
Road safety experts have emphasized the need for all road users to be vigilant, exercise caution, and ensure that their vehicles are in good working condition to prevent accidents.
The Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway is a major route connecting the Southeastern region of Nigeria to other parts of the country, and the recent accidents serve as a reminder of the importance of road safety awareness and compliance with traffic laws.
Authorities are expected to step up efforts to ensure safer roads and reduce the number of preventable accidents on Nigerian highways.
