One person has lost his life, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries, in a fatal road accident that occurred at the Immigration Junction, Agu Awka, along the Awka-Enugu Expressway, Anambra State, on Wednesday.
It was gathered that the crash, which occurred at about 11 a.m., involved two vehicles—a Mack LPG tanker and a commercial tricycle with registration number UMZ002QJ—killing the tricycle driver instantly.
Eyewitnesses near the scene said the tricycle driver was attempting to get passage from security personnel diverting traffic due to ongoing road reconstruction when the fully loaded tanker, which reportedly suffered brake failure, ran over him.
The Sector Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra State Command, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday.
Onabe said two male adults were involved in the accident, adding that the tricycle driver was killed while the tanker driver was rescued unhurt.
She attributed the cause of the crash to brake failure resulting in loss of control.
She said, “According to eyewitness reports, the Keke driver was attempting to get passage from security personnel diverting traffic due to ongoing road reconstruction when the fully loaded tanker, which suffered brake failure, ran over him.
“FRSC rescue operatives arrived at the scene at 11:35 hours and commenced action. The victim was confirmed dead at the scene. No injuries were recorded.
“The remains of the deceased were evacuated in a body bag and deposited at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Morgue, Awka.”
She added that state fire service personnel were contacted and placed on standby due to the LPG content of the tanker to forestall any secondary incident.
She restated the FRSC Command’s commitment to saving lives through enforcement, rescue, and public enlightenment, urging residents to call the FRSC toll-free number, 122, for emergency assistance or to report crashes.
Also reacting to the incident, the Sector Commander, FRSC Anambra State Command, Bridget Asekhauno, expressed deep concern over the loss of life and cautioned drivers, especially those operating articulated vehicles, to ensure their vehicles are in good mechanical condition.
“This crash is avoidable. We strongly recommend that all drivers adhere to prescribed speed limits and slow down considerably when approaching junctions, diversions, and construction zones. Lives are irreplaceable,” Asekhauno added.
