ONE KILLED, ONE INJURED IN TRAGIC ROAD CRASH ON ONITSHA-AWKA EXPRESSWAY

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One person was confirmed dead and another injured in a fatal road accident on Wednesday along the Nteje-Awka Road at Igbariam Junction, on the Onitsha-Awka-Enugu Expressway in Anambra State.

The Sector Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Margaret Onabe, disclosed this in a statement, noting that four male occupants were involved in the crash. She attributed the incident to loss of control by the driver of a trailer.

According to the FRSC, the accident occurred around 2:40pm and involved a red Sino trailer, belonging to Coca-Cola, and an ash-coloured Daihatsu Hijet bus owned by ASTMA. Both vehicles had no registration numbers.

Onabe explained that one male adult sustained injuries and received first aid before being taken to the hospital, while another was confirmed dead. The two remaining victims were rescued unhurt.

She stated, “The call was received at 14:45 hours, and the rescue team arrived within five minutes. Preliminary investigation revealed that the ASTMA bus had stopped to attend to a vehicle with tyre issues. While one of the occupants went to get a vulcanizer, the trailer attempted to maneuver but lost control. One of its tyres struck the bus, dragging it into the gutter and trapping it under the trailer.”

FRSC Anambra State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, who visited the scene alongside other officers, commiserated with the family of the deceased and wished the injured a quick recovery.

“The tragic incident underscores the urgent need for drivers to adhere to speed limits, avoid dangerous manoeuvres, and maintain full control of their vehicles at all times,” she said.

The injured victim was rushed to Chira Hospital, Awkuzu for emergency care, while the deceased was taken to Jerusalem Hospital, Nteje. The crash site was cleared using an RCC crane, restoring traffic flow shortly afterwards.

The FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing traffic regulations and raising public awareness to prevent future accidents.