An accident occurred near Umuika Junction along the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt expressway, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including two children.
According to The PUNCH, the incident involved an Abia Line Network Sienna vehicle, traveling from Abakaliki in Ebonyi State to Aba in Abia State.
The crash took place at approximately 12:45 pm when the driver, reportedly speeding, lost control of the vehicle after dozing off.
The Abia State Police Command confirmed the incident, with ASP Maureen Chinaka stating that the scene had been inspected and that an investigation is ongoing. Similarly, the Federal Road Safety Corps Abia State Sector Command also confirmed the incident, noting that five individuals, not the previously reported eleven, perished in the crash.
The FRSC’s statement detailed that the crash involved a Toyota Previa with registration number BKL 291 ZJ, which collided with an unnumbered stationary Mack Truck.
The statement said, “The Federal Road Safety Corps, Abia State Sector Command has confirmed that five not eleven persons as against Sunday’s reports, died from the crash that occurred at Egbelu Mbutu by Cherubim bus Stop, Isialangwa South LGA along Enugu-Portharcourt Expressway on 11 August 2024 at 1345hrs.
“The crash involving a Toyota Previa with registration number BKL 291 ZJ travelling to Enugu rammed into an unnumbered stationary Mack Truck. Eleven persons were involved in the crash, they included six male adults, two female adults and three male children.
“As at the time of the crash, four persons (two male adults and two male children) died on the spot, while three persons were injured.
“A rescue team from RS9.32 KM78 Aba Unit Command arrived at the accident scene within 10 minutes of notice and conducted the rescue operations. The injured victims were taken to Ronald Hospital, Umuikaa and the dead were deposited at the Mighty Moon Mortuary, close to Umuikaa Junction.
According to the statement, during a follow-up by the FRSC officials on Monday morning, it was confirmed that one male adult later died while in the hospital receiving treatment.
The development brings the number of deceased accident victims to five (three male adults and two male children) and injured victims to two persons (one male and one female).
The statement added, “The male victim was transferred to the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, this morning for further medical treatment while the female victim remained in Roland Hospital, Umuikaa. Three adults and one child survived the crash without injuries, and the only surviving child has been handed over to Umuikaa Police Station.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the cause of the crash was fatigue. Update on the root cause of the crash will be communicated as soon as FRSC Crash Investigation Experts conclude the investigation”.
