A Fatal Incident on a Steep Descent
A tipper truck loaded with sharp sand has crushed three victims to death along the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) road in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, yesterday. According to eyewitness accounts, the truck was descending the steep road from the Total Roundabout-UNN axis when the driver allegedly experienced brake failure, leading to the fatal accident.
Another eyewitness, who identified himself as Gabriel, stated that the first victim of the accident was a plastic vendor who was crushed to death by the truck. He added, “An okada man carrying two passengers saw the truck and jumped off his motorcycle. While the okada man was saved, the truck also crushed the two passengers he was carrying to death. The motorcycle was equally rammed beneath the truck.”
Our reporter gathered that about five vehicles queuing for petrol at an NNPC petrol station within the vicinity were damaged during the incident. A driver of the UNN shuttle service, who narrowly escaped the accident, expressed gratitude, saying it was only by divine intervention that his life was spared. “I alighted from my taxi to ease myself shortly before the incident,” he recounted.
Assessing the Damage and Supporting the Injured
It was equally learned that several others sustained various degrees of injury and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. The extent of damage to property, including vehicles at the NNPC petrol station, highlights the severity of the accident and its ripple effects on the local community.
Meanwhile, the driver of the truck reportedly escaped unhurt during the accident, with his whereabouts still unknown at the time of filing this report. This raises questions about accountability and the need for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations, particularly for commercial vehicles operating on challenging terrains such as the steep UNN road.
The tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures and infrastructure maintenance in Nsukka. With increasing traffic and heavy vehicle movement, stakeholders are called upon to address potential hazards proactively. Ensuring regular inspections of vehicles, especially those transporting construction materials, could prevent similar incidents in the future.
This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by inadequate road safety protocols and aging infrastructure. As communities mourn the loss of lives, it is imperative for authorities to take decisive action to safeguard residents and commuters alike.
