One Dies, Eight Injured in Anambra Road Crash

A tragic road accident occurred on Saturday at Agu-Awka, Immigration Junction, along the Awka–Enugu Expressway in Anambra State, involving a Sinotruck trailer, a Toyota Camry and a TVS commercial tricycle. The crash happened at about 8:45 am, resulting in one death and eight injuries. The trailer, with registration number AAA920YN, was descending a slope when its driver attempted to manoeuvre into another lane after noticing a diversion sign at the junction.

According to eyewitness accounts, the trailer collided sideways with the Toyota Camry, which subsequently hit the tricycle from behind, while the trailer somersaulted. The accident resulted in one death and eight injuries, with five of the injured victims taken to the hospital for medical attention. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the accident and identified excessive speeding and inadequate construction warning signs as suspected factors that contributed to the crash.

The FRSC Sector Public Education Officer in Anambra State, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the accident in a statement on Saturday. Onabe reiterated that the accident involved the Sinotruck trailer, Toyota Camry and commercial tricycle, bringing the total number of people involved to nine. The FRSC rescue team promptly mobilised to the scene after receiving information about the incident and took measures to ensure the free flow of traffic.

The FRSC rescue team commenced efforts to clear the obstruction, and the Anambra State Sector Commander, Bridget Asekhauno, worked with the rescue team and other stakeholders to ensure that the blocked diversion route was cleared and reopened to motorists. Asekhauno expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.

Asekhauno urged construction companies to provide adequate and clearly visible warning signs, particularly around construction zones and diversion points, to guide motorists and prevent road crashes. The FRSC further advised motorists to observe speed limits, exercise caution when approaching diversions and construction areas, and pay attention to road signs and traffic instructions.

The accident highlights the need for road safety awareness and the importance of adhering to traffic regulations. The FRSC and other stakeholders must work together to prevent such accidents in the future. The incident also underscores the need for construction companies to prioritize road safety and provide adequate warning signs.

The FRSC and other relevant authorities will likely continue to investigate the accident and take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and follow traffic regulations to ensure road safety. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for collective efforts to prevent accidents.

Key points

• One person died and eight others were injured in a road accident along the Awka–Enugu Expressway in Anambra State.
• The accident involved a Sinotruck trailer, a Toyota Camry and a commercial tricycle, and was attributed to excessive speeding and inadequate construction warning signs.
• The FRSC has urged construction companies to provide adequate warning signs and motorists to observe speed limits and exercise caution when approaching diversions and construction areas.