Scores feared dead in accident in Abia state

A fatal accident that occured over the weekend on the Ikot-Ekpene-Aba Expressway in Aba, Abia state, led to the death of many and several others injured. The accident, which involved a truck, a couple of tricylces, a commercial bus and a private owned car, was reportedly caused by the truck.

According to witnesses, the truck, heavily loaded with chippings, was speeding as it descended the Ogbor Hill Bridge, when it lost control and crashed into several vehicles and pedestrians. The bus and tricycles popularly called Keke Napep were loading passengers when the truch hit them, sending them through the rail of the bridge, and into the water below. 

The Nation reports that the truck driver and his conductor escaped the scene of the accident. Witnesses also disclosed that about 20 people were affected by the accidents with at least 10 dead. 

“The man was coming down the bridge with speed and in the process, lost control of his vehicle. The bus and some keke were loading their passengers before the accident. The car down the bridge was hit and it destroyed the rail before landing there," a witness told The Nation.

“I am not sure anyone in that car survived. Another private car was also affected and I don’t think the passengers survived. The people affected were about 20 or more; about 10 persons died. Many people sustained injuries because it happened during the rush hour.” An FRSC personnel, who pleaded for anonymity, said 21 persons were affected in the accident – eight females and 13 males; three persons died. He said that the injured victims are receiving treatment at a private hospital on the Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway.

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