Multiple truck accidents claim 3 lives in Nsukka
Three persons have died in multiple accidents involving two articulated vehicles carrying coca-cola products and Hero brand of beer on Monday in different locations of Nsukka town.
A resident narrated the unfortunate incidents to NAN, saying that the first of the series of accidents happened at Ugwuoye near old NEPA when the articulated vehicle loaded with Hero beer had a break failure and some of its crates of beer hit a motorcyclist and his female passenger.
“I was at opposite old NEPA to buy something when I saw the driver trying to control vehicle and shouting my brake, my brake and crates of beer falling from the vehicles,” the witness said.
“The motorcyclist died on the spot, as a result of lots of crates of beer that hit him but the female passenger was rushed to a nearby hospital where she later died.”
The witness went on to say that within an hour of the first incident at Ugwuoye, another articulated vehicle crushed another victim, Mr Chidi Ogbu, in front of Nitel building.
Ogbu sold phones and accessories at Nsukka main market.
“Today is a black Monday in Nsukka, unfortunately, the trailer in that accident opposite Nitel was set ablaze by an angry mob,” the witness explained on conditions of anonymity.
Mr. Innocent Ekwunife, the chairman of GSM Nsukka main market, confirmed the unfortunate incident and said he was yet to recover from the shock of the death of their colleague.
“We have decided to close all GSM shops in Nsukka main market today as a mark of respect for one of us who lost his life in an accident,” Ekwunife said.
“We want the government to investigate what caused the accident that killed our colleague so as to avoid a repeat in future.”
Prof. Rose Onah, Chairman Nsukka Local Government Area, reacted to the incidents by cautioning road users in the community to exercise more patience because of on-going road construction in the town.
“Some of the causes of accidents are impatience and not giving proper attention to vehicles which will cause problem on the way,” she said.
Some residents reportedly attacked the fire service men who showed up to douse the fire that had been set on the trailer by an angry mob by hurling stones and pebbles, an act which was frowned upon by Onah.
“I heard that the fire servicemen initial attempt to put-off fire on the trailer was scuttled by some residents that attacked them which made them go back,” she said.
“We should learn how to prevent further damages when an accident happens by cooperating with security agents, fire service people and FRSC.
“I express my sympathy to families that lost their beloved ones and urged God to grant them the fortitude to bear the untimely loss,” she said.
Mr. Bello Mohammed, the Commander of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nsukka Unit Command, confirmed both accidents and also called for caution from drivers.
“Drivers in Nsukka town and environs should be more careful and take adequate precautionary measure knowing very well that road constructions are going on in the town.
“The two accidents and deaths as a result of it could have been averted if those involved have exercised patience and taken precautionary measures,” Mohammed said.
