Five Die, 12 Injured In Tragic Ebonyi Road Accident

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of five persons, including a female child, in a lone road accident that occurred on the Enugu-Abakaliki federal highway in Ebonyi State.

Naija News reports that the FRSC Sector Commander in Ebonyi State, Daniel Asanya, who confirmed the incident in Abakaliki, said the crash happened on Friday, June 5, at the Edema Bridge, Nkalagu, in the Ishielu Local Government Area of the state.

Asanya said the affected vehicle, a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus with registration number RSH 231 XE, was travelling from Abakaliki to Enugu when the accident occurred.

According to him, the vehicle had 17 passengers on board at the time of the crash.

“The commercial bus, a white coloured Toyota Hiace bus with registration number: RSH 231 XE, had 17 passengers on board. The passengers consist of 12 males, four females,” he said.

“Five persons died in the crash: four males and one female child, while 12 persons were injured: eight males and four females.”

The sector commander attributed the accident to speed violation, warning motorists against reckless driving, especially on roads where construction or maintenance work is ongoing.

Asanya said items recovered from the scene included three phones, two personal effects in sack bags and a quarter bag of rice.

He added that the injured victims were taken to the Annunciation Hospital, Emene, Enugu State, for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in the morgue.

“The injured were taken to Annunciation Hospital, Emene, Enugu, for treatment while the dead have been deposited in the morgue,” he said.

“We advise drivers to always drive with caution, especially with construction and maintenance work on the Enugu–Abakaliki highway.

“Drivers should also realise that roads would always be maintained and this is for public good.”

Asanya further urged motorists using the Enugu-Abakaliki highway to obey traffic rules, reduce their speed and remain alert to ongoing road works.

He also called on the construction firm handling work on the road to place visible warning signs to alert drivers and prevent further accidents.

According to him, such signs should be properly illuminated to guide motorists, especially at night and in areas where road maintenance may affect normal traffic flow.

The FRSC commander said the corps would continue to sensitise drivers on safe driving practices, while also encouraging road users to take personal responsibility for their safety and that of other passengers.