One Dead, Eight Injured as Speeding Trailer Crashes Into Car, Tricycle in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

One person has been confirmed dead, while eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries after a trailer crashed into a Toyota Camry and a commercial tricycle at Immigration Junction, Agu-Awka, along the Awka–Enugu Expressway, Anambra State.

The fatal accident occurred at about 8:45 a.m. on Saturday and involved a Sinotruck trailer with registration number AAA920YN, a Toyota Camry (ENU622DR) and a TVS commercial tricycle (NSH684VC).

An eyewitness said the trailer was descending a slope when the driver attempted to manoeuvre around a diversion at the junction but lost control, causing the vehicle to crash into the other vehicles.

“The trailer driver was descending a slope when he noticed the diversion sign at the junction and attempted to manoeuvre into another lane.

“In the process, the trailer collided sideways with the Toyota Camry, which subsequently hit the tricycle from behind before the trailer somersaulted,” the eyewitness said.

Confirming the incident, the Sector Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), SRC Margret Onabe, identified excessive speed and inadequate construction warning signs as suspected factors that contributed to the crash.

Onabe said nine people were involved in the accident, with one person killed and eight others injured. Five of the injured victims were subsequently taken to hospital for medical attention.

She said the FRSC rescue team promptly mobilised to the scene after receiving information about the crash, taking steps to manage traffic and clear the obstruction.

According to her, the Anambra State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, personally visited the scene and coordinated efforts to clear and reopen the blocked diversion route.

“Through her intervention and the collaborative efforts of the rescue team and other relevant stakeholders, the diversion route was successfully reopened, restoring movement along the affected corridor,” Onabe said.

The Sector Commander expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.

Asekhauno also raised concerns over the safety of motorists around construction zones, stressing the need for construction companies to provide adequate and clearly visible warning signs, particularly around diversion points.

She urged motorists to observe speed limits, exercise caution when approaching construction areas and diversions, and pay close attention to road signs and traffic instructions.

The FRSC reiterated its commitment to prompt emergency response, effective traffic management and the protection of lives and property on Nigerian roads.