10 dead, 10 injured in Enugu road tragedy
By John Okezie
At least 10 people lost their lives and ten others were injured in two separate accidents that occurred on Wednesday along the Ozalla/4-Corner stretch of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the incidents in a statement, describing the crashes as “avoidable tragedies.”
The first accident happened around 9 a.m. when a Howo truck, marked Visco Investment Global and loaded with bags of cement, collided with a Toyota Corolla that was attempting to overtake another truck. A Foton bus and a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus, both reportedly driving against traffic, were also caught in the crash.
According to the police, the collision triggered a fire that engulfed the truck’s head and the Corolla. Five occupants of the car were burnt beyond recognition, while a passenger in the mini bus was also confirmed dead.
Hours later, around 3 p.m., another fatal crash occurred on the same road. This time, a Sino truck loaded with cement and belonging to Global Investment rammed into a tricycle while allegedly driving one-way from Garriki, Enugu, to Nenwe in Aninri Local Government Area. The four occupants of the tricycle later died in hospital.
Police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, said 10 other victims of both crashes are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Reacting to the incidents, Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, expressed sadness over the loss of lives and commiserated with the bereaved families.
“These crashes were avoidable. I strongly caution drivers to exercise utmost care, especially during these Ember Months, when road traffic usually increases and accidents are more frequent. No journey is worth the loss of lives”, he said.
He further directed the State Motor Traffic Department to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crashes.
The CP urged motorists to “shun recklessness, obey traffic rules, and prioritise safety over speed to prevent further tragedies.”
