At least seven people have lost their lives in two separate road crashes that occurred in Ebonyi State at the weekend.
The incidents occurred in Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state near Ebonyi State University permanent site and Nwanwu Junction, Nwazenyi in Izzi Local Government Area.
The Ezzamgbo incident, which occurred on Saturday, August 23, involved a commercial bus loaded with passengers travelling from Benue to Onitsha and a 911 truck transporting sachet water from Enugu to Abakaliki. An eyewitness, Ezechi Onwe, told Daily Sun that the incident claimed many lives.
“The collision, which claimed several lives and left many others injured, has once again highlighted the dangers associated with the Ishieke Police checkpoint. Policemen manning the checkpoint at the scene blocked the road in the night, which created hazardous conditions that contributed to the tragic incident. This unfortunate event adds to the growing number of accidents reported around the Ishieke axis, where similar practices by checkpoint officers have repeatedly endangered road users. Families are mourning, and survivors are battling for their lives, all of which could have been avoided with better traffic management and enforcement practices,” he said.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said only two people died in the incident. He explained that those who were injured have been taken to hospital for medical attention.
In the Nwanwu incident, three people reportedly lost their lives while many were injured. A resident of the area, Blessing Nkwegu, said the tragedy occurred when a concrete mixer truck lost control and rammed into shops in the area and killed three people instantly.
“A fatal accident occurred at Nwanwu Junction in Ebonyi State, claiming three lives while many were injured and have been rushed to hospital. Many properties were damaged in the accident. The accident occurred when a concrete mixer coming from Nwezenyi down Shed Ekori failed brakes and ran into shops at the junction while trying to escape a motorcycle involved in an accident at Offia Oku Amachi road. DJ Ogobest’s shop and two food sellers’ shops were completely damaged. Let’s keep fingers crossed and pray that no more deaths will be recorded as many are still unconscious,” she said.