…as Enugu Police Commissioner orders full investigation into the causes of both crashes.
ENUGU, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Enugu Police Command has confirmed that ten people were killed and another ten injured in two separate, fatal road crashes that occurred on Tuesday, September 3, along the Ozalla–Four Corner axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.
In a press statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Command described the incidents as tragic and avoidable.
According to the report, the first accident happened around 9 a.m. and involved multiple vehicles, including a cement-laden Howo truck, a Toyota Corolla, a Foton bus, and a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus.
The Howo truck, marked with the inscription Visco Investment Global, was headed from Aba to Abuja when it collided with a Toyota Corolla that was overtaking another truck. The impact caused both the truck and the Corolla to burst into flames, burning five occupants of the car beyond recognition. One passenger in the Hijet mini bus also died on the spot.
The second accident occurred at about 3 p.m. on the same expressway. This time, a Sino truck loaded with cement and reportedly driving one-way, rammed into a tricycle near the Garriki axis. All four occupants of the tricycle were rushed to the hospital but were later confirmed dead.
In total, ten individuals lost their lives across both incidents, and another ten are currently receiving treatment at medical facilities.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a full investigation into the causes of both crashes.
While commiserating with the families of the deceased, he described the accidents as avoidable and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
“No journey is worth the loss of lives,” CP Giwa said, urging motorists to obey traffic rules, avoid one-way driving, and prioritize safety, especially during the Ember Months when road traffic and accidents typically increase.
The police have also cautioned against reckless driving and the growing trend of heavy-duty trucks taking one-way routes in violation of traffic regulations.
As of press time, the Dangote Group whose name has trended online due to the cargo involved is yet to issue a public statement regarding the tragedies.
