Awka – Four female hawkers were on Wednesday crushed to death by a truck at Upper Iweka flyover, Onitsha.
The unfortunate incident which took place at 7:30 am today, at Upper Iweka flyover, involved a blue Mercedes Benz truck with registration number XF 259 UNZ driven by an unidentified driver.
TNC correspondent who arrived at the scene of the accident after it happened, gathered that the truck driver had a disagreement with the revenue collectors at Upper Iweka flyover.
“In the process, the truck rolled back and crushed the four female hawkers who were walking along the road. The driver and his motor boy came out without injury.
“This is one of the challenges we face here in the hands of these revenue collectors. From Bridgehead to Borromeo roundabout, they harass truck drivers and their major victims are those passing through the state from other parts of the country.
“It is unfortunate that these women would lose their lives as a result of the recklessness of these revenue collectors,” the source lamented.
When contacted, the Spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Anambra, Florence Edor said a rescue team from the FRSC, the Nigeria Army and the Nigeria Police had taken the victims to Toronto hospital, Onitsha where they were deposited at the hospital morgue after doctor’s confirmation.
She revealed that the driver of the vehicle has been handed over to the police for further investigation.
“The Anambra FRSC Sector Commander, Andrew Kumapayi sends his condolences to the victims’ families and admonishes pedestrians to be mindful of the dangers associated with the road and also avoid hawking close to the highways,” she said.
