The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed the death of 11 persons following a fatal road accident along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.
The Enugu State Sector Commander of the corps, Franklin Agbakoba, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Enugu on Saturday after the incident involving two vehicles.
According to him, the accident occurred at about 6:46 p.m. near the FRSC Ozalla Unit Command axis of the expressway.
He said the 11 victims comprised 10 males and one female.
Agbakoba explained that 36 persons — 27 males and nine females — were involved in the crash, which occurred when a commercial Toyota Coaster bus collided with an articulated Mercedes-Benz trailer.
He added that seven persons, including three males and four females, sustained injuries and were rushed to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital for treatment, while the remains of the deceased were deposited in the hospital’s morgue.
The sector commander said FRSC personnel had cleared debris from the road and restored normal traffic flow along the affected axis, noting that preliminary investigations point to route traffic violation and loss of control as the likely causes of the accident.
He commended officers and marshals of the Ozalla Unit for their prompt rescue efforts, evacuation of victims and removal of obstructions, adding that further details would be made public after investigations are concluded.
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, John Chukwuma Ogbodo, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as painful and preventable.
In a statement issued to journalists, Ogbodo extended condolences to families of the deceased and sympathised with those injured and receiving treatment at UNTH.
“I received with profound sadness the news of the fatal crash that claimed innocent lives along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway. On behalf of the government and people of Nkanu West, I extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the quick recovery of the injured,” he said.
Reacting further, the chairman linked the incident to his long-standing advocacy for strict adherence to traffic regulations, particularly among commercial drivers plying the busy corridor.
“This unfortunate incident highlights the urgent need for motorists, especially commercial drivers, to obey traffic rules and avoid reckless driving. Route traffic violations and loss of control, as indicated in preliminary findings, are avoidable causes,” he stated.
Ogbodo recalled previous engagements with transport unions and road safety authorities where he emphasised discipline, speed moderation and compliance with road signs as key steps toward reducing accidents.
He also called on contractors handling rehabilitation works on critical sections of the highway to accelerate project timelines to reduce risks associated with diversions and construction activities.
“We must ensure that road rehabilitation works are completed promptly. Prolonged construction often creates dangerous pressure points that increase the likelihood of accidents. The safety of commuters must remain a top priority,” he added.
The council boss further urged FRSC and other relevant agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns on road safety, defensive driving and responsible highway conduct, particularly as vehicular movement continues to increase across the state.
He commended officers and marshals of the Ozalla Unit Command for their swift response to the crash scene, including rescue operations, evacuation of injured victims and restoration of traffic flow, describing their intervention as timely and lifesaving.
While mourning the deceased, Ogbodo urged residents and road users to treat the tragedy as a sobering reminder of the consequences of recklessness behind the wheel.
“Lives have been lost and families are grieving. Let this tragedy serve as a wake-up call for greater responsibility among road users. Safety on our roads is a collective duty,” he said.
Authorities confirmed that the fatal collision occurred at about 6:46 pm along the Ozalla axis of the expressway.
Traffic has since been restored, while investigations into the incident continue.
The chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained road safety advocacy, collaboration with enforcement agencies and preventive measures aimed at averting future tragedies on the corridor.
