Onitsha: Two crushed to death as container falls on tricycle

From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha

Two persons lost their lives on Thursday in a ghastly motor accident in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The crash, which occurred along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, involved a tricycle and a trailer.

An eyewitness said the trailer was conveying a container which suddenly fell off and landed on the tricycle with the deceased and two others on board.

The witness, who identified himself as Okey Uluoma, blamed the crash on a deplorable section of the road.

“The trailer was navigating the bad road when the container suddenly fell off and landed on the keke carrying four passengers.

“Two were trapped inside the tricycle while the other two were lucky to have escaped unhurt,” he disclosed.

Confirming the incident, Sector Commander Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno expressed sadness over the loss of lives in the tragic crash.

She urged road users to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules to prevent similar occurrences.

She said: “The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) RS5.31A Upper Iweka Outpost responded to a fatal crash on the Owerri-Onitsha Road at approximately 8:20am today.

“The incident involved a keke (tricycle) and a trailer, resulting in the deaths of two adult males. A total of four adult males were involved in the crash, with two others rescued uninjured.

“Upon receiving the distress call, the FRSC rescue team was dispatched to the scene, where they collaborated with the Police to secure the area and ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

“The victims, who were trapped under the trailer, were taken to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.

“The vehicles involved in the crash were as follows: the keke (tricycle) was red in colour and had no registration number; the trailer also lacked a registration number or any other identifying features.

“The FRSC tow van was employed to lift the trailer off the keke, allowing for the clearance of the obstruction.

“The FRSC team successfully cleared the obstruction, restoring traffic flow.

“We urge all road users to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules to prevent such incidents.

“Our team responded promptly to the scene, and we are working to implement necessary measures to prevent future occurrences.

“The FRSC commends the police for their prompt response and cooperation.”