One Dead, Eight Injured in Anambra Road Crash

One person has died, and eight others have been injured in a road accident involving a trailer, a Toyota Camry and a commercial tricycle along the Awka-Enugu Expressway in Anambra State.

The collision occurred at about 8:45 am on Saturday at Immigration Junction, Agu-Awka.

The vehicles involved were a Sinotruck trailer with registration number AAA920YN, a Toyota Camry marked ENU622DR and a TVS commercial tricycle with registration number NSH684VC.

According to an eyewitness account, the trailer was descending a slope when its driver noticed a diversion sign at the junction and attempted to change lanes.

During the manoeuvre, the trailer reportedly struck the Toyota Camry from the side. The car then hit the tricycle from behind, while the trailer overturned.

The accident claimed one life and left eight people injured. Five of the injured victims were taken to hospital for medical treatment.

“The crash happened early this morning. A trailer, while descending a slope, noticed the diversion sign placed at the junction and attempted to manoeuvre into another lane.

“But in the process, it collided sideways with the Toyota Camry, which subsequently hit the tricycle from behind, while the trailer somersaulted.

“The crash resulted in the death of one person while eight others sustained injuries. Five of the injured victims were conveyed to the hospital for medical attention,” the eyewitness said.

The Sector Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday.

She said preliminary findings pointed to excessive speed and insufficient warning signs around the construction area as possible causes of the crash.

Onabe added that FRSC rescue personnel were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of the accident, where they worked to remove the obstruction and restore traffic movement.

“The crash, which occurred at about 8:45am, involved a Sinotruck trailer with registration number AAA920YN, a Toyota Camry with registration number ENU622DR, and a TVS commercial tricycle with registration number NSH684VC.

“Preliminary reports indicated that excessive speeding and inadequate construction warning signs were among the suspected factors that contributed to the crash.

“According to an eyewitness account, the trailer, while descending a slope, reportedly noticed the diversion sign placed at the junction and attempted to manoeuvre into another lane. In the process, it collided sideways with the Toyota Camry, which subsequently hit the tricycle from behind, while the trailer somersaulted.

“The crash resulted in one fatality and eight injuries, bringing the total number of persons involved to nine. Five of the injured victims were conveyed to the hospital for medical attention.

“Upon receiving the information, the FRSC rescue team promptly mobilised to the scene, where they took measures to ensure the free flow of traffic and commenced efforts to clear the obstruction,” she stated. 

The Anambra State Sector Commander, Bridget Asekhauno, also visited the scene and coordinated efforts to clear and reopen the blocked diversion route.

The road was subsequently reopened following the intervention of the sector commander, rescue personnel and other stakeholders.

Asekhauno expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased and wished those injured a quick recovery.

She called on construction companies to install clear and adequate warning signs around work zones and diversion points to alert motorists and reduce the risk of accidents.

The FRSC also advised drivers to observe speed limits, exercise caution around construction areas and diversions, and pay attention to road signs and traffic instructions.

The corps reaffirmed its commitment to emergency response and traffic management to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.