One dies in Anambra road crash

One person has died and eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a road accident involving a trailer, a Toyota Camry and a commercial tricycle at Agu-Awka, Immigration Junction, along the Awka–Enugu Expressway, Anambra State.

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

According to an eyewitness account, the trailer, while descending a slope, reportedly noticed a diversion sign at the junction and attempted to manoeuvre into another lane.

“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, Anambra State Sector, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the accident in a statement on Saturday.

Onabe said FRSC personnel promptly responded to the incident after receiving information about the crash, taking measures to clear the obstruction and ensure the free flow of traffic.

She identified excessive speeding and inadequate construction warning signs as suspected factors that contributed to the crash.

She said, “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.

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“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.”

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Sector Commander, Bridget Asekhauno, who was also present at the crash scene, made efforts to ensure that the blocked diversion route was cleared and reopened to motorists.

Through her intervention and the collaborative efforts of the rescue team and other relevant stakeholders, the diversion route was successfully reopened, restoring movement along the affected corridor.

Asekhauno expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.

She also urged construction companies to provide adequate and clearly visible warning signs, particularly around construction zones and diversion points, to guide motorists and prevent road crashes.

“The FRSC urged motorists to observe speed limits, exercise caution when approaching diversions and construction areas, and remain attentive to road signs and traffic instructions.

“The FRSC reiterates its commitment to prompt emergency response, effective traffic management and the protection of lives and property on Nigerian roads,” she added.