A tragic accident along the Bende-Ohafia Road in Abia State has left at least eight (8) people dead and two (2) others injured after a loaded trailer collided with a Sharon Volkswagen vehicle.
The crash occurred on Sunday, at the Mmuri River axis in Ohafia Local Government Area, according to a statement from the Abia Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Sector Commander Mrs. Ngozi Ezeoma confirmed the details of the crash, explaining that the trailer, which was carrying chippings, struck and fell onto the Sharon Volkswagen vehicle.
The vehicle was carrying 10 people at the time of the accident.
Ezeoma further noted that, tragically, eight individuals lost their lives, including a woman who was standing by the roadside when the incident occurred. Three others were reported injured and were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The bodies of the deceased have been transferred to the morgue, while the injured victims are receiving medical care.
The FRSC’s preliminary investigation suggested that the cause of the crash was dangerous driving and excessive speeding.
Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and obey traffic regulations to prevent such devastating accidents.
As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, the FRSC has reiterated its commitment to improving road safety and reducing the incidence of fatal accidents across Abia State and the wider region.
The Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA) also confirmed the accident through a statement by its spokesman, Nelson Anya.
Anya stated that ARTSMA officials, led by General Manager Col. Ezichi Kalu (retd.), responded promptly to the distress call and arrived at the scene to provide critical assistance. The team mobilized a crane and two towing vans to rescue the victims and manage the aftermath.
The agency expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the affected road transport workers. It also wished the injured passengers a speedy and complete recovery.
In a follow-up, the agency confirmed that the road has now been fully cleared and reopened to traffic. It urged motorists to drive with caution and adhere to traffic laws to avoid similar tragic incidents in the future.
“ARTSMA remains committed to ensuring the safety and smooth operation of Abia State’s roadways. This incident underscores the importance of collective responsibility in enforcing road safety measures,” the statement emphasized.
Additionally, Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Ctz. Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, stated that the Abia State Government responded promptly to the incident by deploying cranes and towing vans to assist in rescuing the victims and clearing the road, effectively minimizing further disruptions.
The collision highlights the ongoing issue of reckless driving on the state’s roads, a problem that continues to contribute to road traffic fatalities in the region.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of speeding and the need for greater road safety awareness.
