Obinna Uchendu Abakaliki
6 persons has been confirmed dead, 1 person said to have sustained severe injuries while 2 others suffered varying degrees of injuries in a road accident that occured along Nmuri axis in Ebem Ohafia, Ohafia local government area of Abia State.
The incident was said to have occured on Sunday at about 1:30pm near the popular Nmuri Bridge Ebem Ohafia, Ohafia LGA.
In a statement from the Public Relations Department, Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA) and made available to journalists by the Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Ctz, Ukoha Njoku said the road accident involved a trailer loaded with chippings which collided with a Sienna bus carrying nine passengers, resulting in a devastating loss of lives and multiple injuries.
According to the statement, ARTSMA officials, led by the General Manager, Col. Ezichi Kalu (Rtd.), promptly responded to the distress call and arrived at the scene to provide critical intervention.
The team was said to have mobilized resources, including a crane and two towing vans, to rescue victims and manage the situation.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and to the affected road transport workers. We also wish the injured a swift and full recovery”.
“While we mourn the unfortunate loss of lives, we are pleased to announce that the road has been fully cleared and reopened to traffic. Motorists are strongly advised to drive cautiously and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
“ARTSMA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Abia State’s roadways. This incident highlights the critical need for collective responsibility in upholding road safety guidelines.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, Chief Emeka Mba (Bam Bam), President General of Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU) said that the town was thrown into mourning on Sunday following the tragic accident.
He confirmed that the truck loaded with chippings overturned and trapped several people under its crushing weight.
He described the day as a “black Sunday.” “Well, today should be regarded as a black Sunday because of the deaths recorded. Many people were trapped under the truck before rescue came.
“One of the survivors, I learned, is a lady with her two children who were sitting in front of the vehicle.
Chief Mba lamented the lack of quick emergency response equipment to move the heavy-duty truck. “We tried everything we could but could not get any equipment to lift the truck and rescue the people underneath. It’s a very ugly situation,.
Speaking on the condition of the road, Chief Mba expressed concern over the poor state of the road and blamed the tragedy on government negligence.
“That section of the road is very bad, and we’ve done a lot of press and documentation to draw the government’s attention to it. There should be restrictions on heavy-duty trucks using it until proper measures are put in place.
