The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has provided further insight into the tragic crashes that occurred in Enugu State on Wednesday, leaving several people dead and others injured.
Journalist101.com had earlier reported that multiple crashes along the Enugu-Port Harcourt and Port Harcourt-Enugu expressways claimed 10 lives and left many injured.
Speaking to newsmen on Thursday, the FRSC Sector Commander, Franklin Agbakoba, described the incident as “unfortunate” and revealed that the crashes were caused by route violation and loss of control.
He noted: “One of the crashes was caused by the trailer driver who failed to utilise his own lane.”
Agbakoba further stated that the corps is firmly against such reckless driving, adding that their Ozalla unit has arrested several drivers who violated traffic rules.
Providing more details on the incident, he explained that the first crash occurred around 9:20 a.m. and involved a grey Mack truck, a white Turbo bus with registration number ENG-905-QX, a white Hiace bus with registration number YF-897-SAG, and a grey Toyota Corolla with registration number KWL-765-DU.
He said 34 persons were involved in the crash: 22 male adults, 11 female adults, and one female child. While five deaths were recorded — including two male adults, two female adults, and one female child — 10 persons were injured, comprising nine female adults and one male adult.
Agbakoba also disclosed that the second crash happened around 1:20 p.m. and was caused by driving against traffic and loss of control. It involved two Mack trucks and one tricycle.
According to him, six persons were involved. While one male adult was injured, four male adults were killed, and one person was rescued without any injuries. He later confirmed that the injured victim died in the hospital, bringing the total fatalities from the second crash to five.
He also debunked reports making the rounds on social media, clarifying that no Dangote truck was involved in any of the crashes.
Speaking on measures to prevent similar tragedies, Agbakoba urged articulated vehicle drivers to embrace safety measures and called on fleet owners to ensure their trucks are driven by qualified and licensed drivers.
He stressed: “Drivers of articulated vehicles should embrace safety measures,” while “charging fleet owners to ensure that their vehicles are driven by qualified and licensed drivers.”
He further encouraged owners to properly profile their drivers and verify their expertise before entrusting them with trucks worth millions of naira.
