No fewer than four persons were reported dead with several others injured in two separate auto accidents along the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway in Ebonyi on New Year Day.
Anthony Okore, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Ebonyi Command, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abakaliki that the accidents occurred at different spots along the road.
He explained that the first accident, involving a Toyota Sienna, collided with an articulated vehicle.
“The accident happened in two locations, Ezzamgbo and Nkalagu axis of the road in Ohaukwu and Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
“The first involved a tanker coming from Abakaliki to Enugu and a Sienna vehicle coming from Lagos to Abakaliki. The tanker number plate is ENU 282 XT while the Siena number is KPU 537 YE.
“The tanker was trying to avoid pothole and unfortunately swapped and hit two commercial notorcycles (Okada). Two persons died from the motorcycle.
“Two persons also died from the Toyota Sienna, making a total of four deaths. Some others who received various injuries were taken to the hospital,” he said.
In the second accident, Okore said it involved a truck loaded with garri (food items) which somersaulted on the road.
“The truck capsized, but no life was lost in that particular incident. The truck capsized and blocked the road. Our personnel have been there and they are trying to clear the road.
“Yes, it is causing gridlock on the highway, but FRSC officers are on top of the situation,” he said.
(NAN).
