Many feared dead as multiple vehicles collide in Enugu

From Jude Chinedu, Enugu

Many people were  feared dead  during  multiple-vehicle crash that occured  on the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway yesterday , near the New Gariki Market.

The accident, which threw traders and passers-by into panic, involved four trailers, loaded with cattle and other goods;two commercial buses, two Sienna vehicles and many  cars that were crushed under the fallen trucks.

Although the exact number of casualties was still unclear at the time of filing this report, but the scale of wreckage indicated that many lives were lost in the accident .

Traders from the nearby market, rushed to the scene, struggling to lift heavy tyres and metal parts in an attempt to rescue trapped victims. Many broke down in tears as they battled to reach the  survivors.

A trader, who  recounted the chaos, said: “People were driving one-way on speed. Before we knew it, trailers and vehicles collided, and everything scattered.” He blamed the crash on motorists driving against traffic on the newly reconstructed section of the expressway.

The situation remained tense until about 20 soldiers arrived in four gun trucks and a Black Maria.

The Soldiers  immediately took control of the scene, directing traffic and creating a passage for stranded motorists, as the crash had blocked the only serviceable lane.

No other emergency responders   were seen at the scene, and authorities is  yet to release any official statement on casualties or the possible cause of the crash.