A fatal accident at Ukpo junction by Onitsha-Nteje-Awka Expressway, Anambra State Monday night, claimed one life and injured about five others.
The accident that occurred last night involved a commercial Toyota Delica bus with registration number; NZN116LK and a private Toyota Diana, with registration number; ACA529XA.
According to an eyewitness, the bus driver was trying to overtake another vehicle in the same lane and rammed into a vehicle coming from the opposite direction on a single carriageway, before crashing.
Confirming the accident, the Acting Sector Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC Anambra State, RC Margaret B Onabe said six persons were involved in the crash, including three male adults and three female adults.
According to her, one died and five others sustained various degrees of injuries.
Onabe attributed the fatal crash to possible wrong overtaking.
She also disclosed that the injured victims were immediately rushed to Borromeo Mission Hospital Onitsha by the FRSC rescue team from RS5.33 Nteje for medical attention where one female adult was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty and the corpse was deposited at the morgue.
”The rescue team managed traffic, towed the two vehicles to the command, and ensured obstructions caused by the crash were cleared,” she said.
She also said the State FRSC Sector Commander, Adeoye Irelewuyi has commiserated with the family of the dead victim and wishes the injured victims a quick recovery.
“He admonishes motorists to avoid reckless driving, especially at night time, watch and ensure the road is clear before overtaking,” she said.
Meanwhile, a motorist, Jude Atupulazi has called on the FRSC to introduce measures to checkmate the recklessness of some drivers at the spot.
According to him, the axis has claimed many lives and it is high time the relevant agencies evolved strategies to address the recurring ugly incident.
“This junction is the hotbed of accidents. I cannot count the number of deaths that have occurred here. It is the role of government to protect lives and property and in this regard, they should think of ways to end these senseless deaths. Maybe it will be a good idea to construct speed breakers there,” he suggested.
On his part, another road user, Emmanuel Ogbobe said drivers must begin to understand that the safety of their lives and those of their passengers must be a major concern when on the wheels.
Agreeing that the introduction of speed breakers may offer a lasting solution, Ogbobe insisted that most road mishaps are preventable with the right actions from duty-bearers.
He said; “I have heard a lot of people claim that evil spirits are responsible for such accidents. Some have even gotten to the point of making animal sacrifices along the axis, to prevent the deaths.
“But the truth is that if the people do not control their speed and do the necessary things, and the relevant regulatory agencies initiate the necessary measures, these things will continue to re-occur,” he said.
