Six persons have been confirmed dead in an accident that occurred on Ugwu-Onyeama axis of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Enugu on Thursday.
The fresh accident followed a similar incident less than one month ago when 23 people lost their lives in a fuel tanker explosion on the same axis.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the lone accident occuryed between Enugu Fly-over Bridge.
Sector Commander of Enugu State Command of the FRSC, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, confirmed the incident to journalists in Enugu.
Agbakoba said the FRSC rescue team rushed to the scene and rescued three victims alive and have taken them to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) in Enugu.
The Sector Commander disclosed that the truck was heading towards Enugu-bound with vegetables and fruits, and was suspected to be carrying a few traders when the accident occurred.
Agbakoba also said the truck was on high speed before losing control and subsequently tumbled.
“The unfortunate accident involved nine persons (eight male adults and one female adult),” the sector Commander said.
He confirmed the death of five male adults and one female adult in the unfortunate accident “while the FRSC Rescue Team took three injured male adults to ESUTH Hospital, Parklane, Enugu.”
He further said “Muslim faithful within the truck carried dead bodies of five Muslims involved in the crash for burial; while relatives of a lady that died also carried her corpse.”.
According to Agbakoba, “The accident must have been caused by speed violation and brake system failure.
“It is unfortunate and we pray that God console the families and friends that lost their loved ones in the unfortunate incident.”
