Tragedy struck on Wednesday at Nwanwu Junction, Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, when a concrete mixer truck reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into roadside shops, resulting in the death of three persons and leaving four others critically injured.
According to an eyewitness, Miss Blessing Nkwegu, the truck belonging to a construction company was descending Offia Oku Amachi Road from Nwezenyi when it lost control while attempting to avoid a collision with a motorcycle. The truck subsequently veered off the road, crushing shops and pedestrians in its path.
The accident caused extensive damage to the area, completely destroying shops belonging to DJ Ogobest and two food vendors. Several neighboring businesses and properties also sustained varying degrees of damage in the incident.
Local Government Response
The Executive Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Hon. Ebere Nwogba, expressed profound sympathy over the incident, describing it as heartbreaking and a significant loss to the community. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the swift recovery of those injured.
"This is a sad day for the people of Amachi and the entire Abakaliki LGA. We mourn with the families who lost their loved ones and assure them that every possible step will be taken to prevent such a tragedy from happening again," Nwogba stated.
The Chairman urged residents to remain calm while assuring that law enforcement agencies were already investigating the cause of the accident. He also appealed to motorists and road users to exercise caution, adhere to traffic regulations, and avoid speeding, particularly in densely populated areas.
The remains of the three deceased victims have been deposited in a morgue, while the injured are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.
This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in urban areas of Ebonyi State, particularly regarding heavy-duty vehicles operating in densely populated commercial zones. Local residents have previously raised concerns about the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and regular vehicle maintenance checks for construction and commercial vehicles.
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