Tragedy struck at Igbariam junction on the Onitsha-Nteke-Awka expressway as a collision between two vehicles resulted in the loss of life of a male passenger.
Adeoye Irelewuyi, the FRSC Sector Commander in the state, confirmed the incident in Awka on Monday, revealing that it occurred on a Sunday.
According to Irelewuyi, the cause of the accident was attributed to overspeeding and a failure to maintain control of the vehicles involved.
He stated, “The fatal collision involved a broken-down commercial Benz truck with the registration number UKP381ZU and a green-colored Sienna car with the registration number KRD429AG.
Eyewitnesses reported that the driver of the speeding Sienna was unaware of the stationary truck ahead. Despite his efforts to regain control, he collided with the truck.
The Sienna was carrying ten passengers – seven male adults and three female adults. One male adult sustained injuries, while another male adult tragically lost his life in the accident.
Prior to the arrival of the FRSC rescue team, bystanders had rushed the injured victim to Toronto Hospital, Onitsha, while the deceased was transported to the mortuary at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku,” he added.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, the sector commander urged drivers of large vehicles to ensure the use of caution triangles and reflective tape for enhanced visibility and safety signals to other motorists.
He emphasized, “Motorists must refrain from overloading, maintain roadworthy vehicles, and adhere to safe speed limits in order to prevent such unfortunate incidents on the roads.”