Six passengers have tragically lost their lives in a fatal accident along the Umuahia-Bende-Ozu Abam-Ohafia expressway in Abia State.
The incident occurred at Mmuri River when a green-colored Sport Utility Vehicle, a commercial bus with the inscription “Ochendo Mobile,” was struck by a heavy-duty truck.
Eyewitnesses reported that the truck, carrying chippings, lost control and collapsed onto the passenger bus, trapping everyone inside.
The victims, who were en route to Umuahia from Ohafia, succumbed to their injuries before rescue teams could arrive.
The Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA), led by General Manager Col. Ezichi Kalu (Rtd.), responded quickly to the scene, deploying a crane and towing vans to assist in the rescue operation.
While six individuals were confirmed dead on the spot, one passenger sustained severe injuries, and two others had varying degrees of injuries.
ARTSMA expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The road was promptly cleared and reopened to traffic.
However, the agency urged motorists to drive cautiously and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the wake of the tragedy, Ohafia indigenes voiced their frustrations over the neglect of the expressway, blaming delayed road repairs for the worsening condition of the road.
They appealed for government intervention, urging both state and federal authorities to complete the project and investigate the management of funds allocated for its construction.
