Abia road accident claims six lives
No fewer than six persons have been reported dead in a road accident which occurred in the Mmuri axis of Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
According to an eye witness, the accident happened when a Metrix147 trailer filled with chipping was overturned and trapped several people under its crushing weight on that Sunday at about 1:30 pm.
In an interview, the President General of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union, where the bridge is located, Emeka Mba, described the day as a “black Sunday”.
Mba stated, “Well, today should be regarded as a black Sunday because of the killings. As I speak to you, many people are still trapped under the truck.
“I learned that one of the survivors is a lady with her two children sitting in front of the bus. But several others are still under the vehicle, and it’s a very helpless situation,” he said.
“We have tried everything. We could not get any equipment to lift the truck and rescue the people underneath. It’s a very ugly situation,” he explained.
When asked about the condition of the road, Chief Mba highlighted the poor state of the area and blamed the tragedy on government negligence, stating, “That section of the road is very low, and we’ve done a lot of press statements and documentation to draw the government’s attention to it. This is a small road, and heavy-duty trucks should be restricted until proper measures are put in place.”
The Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency, while confirming the incident on Monday, in a statement by its spokesman, Nelson Anya, on Monday, said the accident occurred on Sunday when a trailer loaded with chippings collided with a Sienna bus carrying nine passengers, adding that one of the passengers sustained injury.
“ARTSMA officials, led by the General Manager, Col. Ezichi Kalu (retd.), promptly responded to the distress call and arrived at the scene to provide critical intervention.
“The team mobilized resources, including a crane and two towing vans, to rescue victims and manage the situation.
“Regrettably, six individuals lost their lives on the spot; one passenger sustained severe injuries, while two others suffered varying degrees of injuries,” he said.
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The agency extended its condolences to the deceased families and the affected road transport workers.
It also wished the injured travellers a swift and full recovery.
The agency announced that the road has been fully cleared and reopened to traffic.
It advised motorists to drive cautiously and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
“ARTSMA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Abia State’s roadways.
“This incident highlights the critical need for collective responsibility in upholding road safety guidelines”, the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Ctz Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, said the Abia State Government, ABSG, acted swiftly to save lives by providing cranes and towing vans to rescue the victims and clear the road.
Source: PUNCH
