From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
A fatal accident involving about five vehicles which took place at Odumodu Junction in Umunya along Onitsha – Awka Expressway in Anambra State has claimed one life. The crash also left 12 people injured.
Ag. Sector Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state, RC Margret Omabe, in a statement, said that the cause of the road crash was not immediately clear but might not be far from over speeding.
She said that two tankers, one commercial Toyota Hiace, one Toyota Camry and one Toyota Yaris were involved in the crash.
“Five unidentified drivers were involved in a fatal road traffic crash at Odumodu Junction, Umunya by Nteje-Awka Expressway today 1st July, 2023 at about 12:40hrs. The probable cause of the fatal crash was speed.
“According to an eyewitness, the driver of the truck with registration number LSD 339 XA lost control as a result of speed; thereby causing multiple collision of four other vehicles.
“26 people comprising (20 male adults, and 6 female adults) were involved in the crash. Injured victims were 12 comprising (9 male adults, and 3 female adults). One male adult was killed while 13 people were rescued unhurt.
“The FRSC rescue team from RS5.33 Nteje in collaboration with a team of officers and men from Anambra Sector Command, Awka rushed the victim to Boromi and Divine Favour Hospital, Umunya. The dead victim is still trapped under the truck as at the time of this report.
“The team are still on ground controlling traffic and ensuring obstruction caused by the crash is cleared.
“Efforts is being made to remove the trapped body. Fire Service has been contacted and are on their way to the scene.
“The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Adeoye Irelewuyi, and the Head of Operations DCC Okora Awassam visited the crash scene.
“The Sector Commander sympathized with the family of the dead victim and wished the injured victims quick recovery.
“He seriously warned motorist to desist from speeding and ensure they drive within minimum safe speed to save their lives and that of other road users”, the statement reads.