10 Dead, 10 Injured in Two Road Crashes on Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway

Ten people lost their lives and ten others sustained injuries in two separate accidents on Wednesday along the Ozalla/4-Corner stretch of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.

The first crash occurred around 9 a.m. when a Howo truck marked Visco Investment Global and loaded with cement from Aba to Abuja collided with a Toyota Corolla attempting to overtake another truck. A Foton bus and a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus, both reportedly driving against traffic, were also caught in the collision.

The impact caused the truck head and the Corolla to burst into flames. Five occupants of the Corolla were burnt beyond recognition, while a passenger in the mini bus also died on the spot.

A second accident happened around 3 p.m. on the same road. A Sino truck belonging to Global Investment and carrying cement allegedly drove one-way from Garriki Enugu toward Nenwe in Aninri LGA and rammed into a tricycle. Four passengers in the tricycle were confirmed dead.

Authorities said ten other people injured in the two accidents are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Confirming the incidents, the spokesman for the Enugu State Police Command, Daniel Ndukwe, said Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa had ordered a thorough investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, while mourning the tragic loss of lives and commiserating with the families of the deceased, has directed the State Motor Traffic Department to carry out a diligent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accidents.

“The CP describes the crashes as avoidable and strongly cautioned drivers to exercise utmost care, especially during these Ember Months, when road traffic usually increases and accidents are more frequent.

“He reminded motorists that no journey is worth the loss of lives, urging them to shun recklessness, obey traffic rules, and prioritize safety over speed to prevent further tragedies,” the statement read in part.