The Federal Road Safety Corps successfully rescued 25 individuals involved in the road collision at Ugwu Onyeama along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway in Enugu. The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, emphasized the necessity of conducting an investigation and promptly prosecuting the driver accountable for the incident. This information was detailed in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Corps Commander, Olusegun Ogungbemide, released on Wednesday in Abuja. The crash took place around 19:00hrs.
The corps indicated that the primary crash investigation report revealed that the collision was triggered by exceeding the speed limit. The FRSC reported that the mishap included seven vehicles, such as a black Toyota Matrix with license plate ENU742NL and a white Suzuki Hijet mini bus with license plate ENU982XY. Additionally, there was a custom Toyota Highlander with license plate JRV247HK, a blue Toyota Corolla with license plate UWN16AP, a Toyota RAV 4, a Red Mack tanker, and a Mazda vehicle involved.
The FRSC emergency rescue teams dispatched to conduct rescue operations reported that a total of 29 individuals were involved in the collision, consisting of 20 adult males and 9 adult females. Out of these, 10 individuals, including eight adult males and two females, sustained varying degrees of injuries. Tragically, four individuals lost their lives as a result of the crash. The FRSC investigation report revealed that two victims died instantly, while the remaining two passed away in the hospital. The injured individuals were transported to the orthopedic hospital in Enugu, while the deceased were taken to the morgue at Park Lane Hospital.
The corps marshal reiterated the FRSC’s commitment to intensifying the ongoing prosecution of drivers whose actions lead to road traffic accidents in Nigeria. He emphasized that the driver responsible for the Ugwu Onyeama incident would face consequences. The FRSC boss urged the judiciary, transport unions’ leadership, and other pertinent stakeholders in the road transportation sector to collaborate with the corps in upholding order on the roads. This collaboration would involve swift and efficient prosecution of traffic violators, particularly those responsible for road crashes.
During his inaugural address to the media, the corps marshal highlighted the importance of instilling moral and ethical values among road users, which has emerged as a significant concern in the country. He cautioned against traffic violations, citing instances where these violations resulted in preventable accidents with fire outbreaks, leading to substantial loss of lives and property damage. He emphasized the necessity of holding erring drivers accountable for their actions.
