By John Ugo, Awka
An accident involving five vehicles has claimed two lives with 14 other seriously injured in the commercial town of Onitsha, Anambra state.
The incident which involved two trucks, two buses and an SUV happened at the popular Upper Iweka in Onitsha on Sunday near the Asaba bus park, along Awka-Onitsha expressway.
Investigations revealed that the driver of one the truck with registration number XC 416 PK lost control following brake failure and rammed into the other four vehicles in front of him.
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Adeoye Irelewuyi, who confirmed the incident attributed the cause of the crash to brake failure.
He commiserated with the deceased family and wished the injured quick recovery, just as he urged motorists to service their vehicles and ensure they complied with minimal safety standards.
He said, “A Fatal Road traffic crash occurred at Asaba park Upper Iweka by Awka-Onitsha Expressway, today, 23rd January 2022, at about 13:15hours
“The crash was between five vehicles, two DAF trucks with registration number: XC 416 PK and DTF 249 XA respectively; two Hiase buses with registration number: FGG 929 ZD and XB 994 GBK respectively and a Jeep with registration number: RSH 450 BM.”
“According to an eyewitnes account, the DAF truck driver with registration number: XC 416 PK lost control as a result of brake failure and rammed into other vehicles in his front and finally crashed into the gutter.”
“The driver took to his heels after the crash. Twenty two people compromising 13 male adults, 7 female adults 1 male child, and 1 female child were involved in the crash.”
“11 compromising 7 male adults and 7 female adults were injured while 2 male adults were killed.
“The injured victims were rushed to Toronto Hospital Boromie by FRSC rescue team where two male adults were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
“The dead were deposited at the hospital Mortuary. FRSC tow truck is on ground for the removal of obstructions.”