The Federal Road Safety Corps rescued 25 people from a crash on the Enugu-Onitsha expressway in Enugu. This comes as the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, has asked for an investigation and prompt prosecution of the motorist responsible for the tragedy.
The Corps Public Education Officer, Corps Commander, Olusegun Ogungbemide, made this announcement on Wednesday in Abuja. The accident occurred about 1900 hours. According to the corps, the preliminary crash investigation report determined that the crash was caused by a speeding violation.
The FRSC stated that seven vehicles were involved, including a black Toyota Matrix with the registration number ENU742NL and a white Suzuki Hijet minibus with the registration number ENU982XY. According to the corps, this included a bespoke Toyota Highlander JRV247HK and a blue Toyota Corolla with the number plate UWN16AP. Others include a Toyota RAV 4, a Red Mack tanker, and a Mazda truck.
The FRSC emergency rescue teams dispatched to carry out rescue operations stated that the crash included 29 people, 20 male adults and 9 female adults. “Of the total, ten victims, eight male adults and two females, experienced varied degrees of harm. Unfortunately, four people were killed in the incident. According to the FRSC investigative report, two of the four fatalities occurred on the spot, with the remaining two dying in the hospital. The injured victims were taken to an orthopaedic hospital in Enugu, while the dead remains were deposited in the Park Lane hospital morgue.
The corps marshal underlined the corps’ commitment on intensifying its ongoing prosecution of drivers who caused road traffic accidents in Nigeria. He did, however, state that the motorist guilty for the Ugwu Onyeama disaster would not be spared.
The FRSC chairman urged the judges, the leadership of transport unions, and other important stakeholders in the road transportation sector to work with the corps to restore sanity on the roads. This, he stated, would be accomplished by the prompt and efficient prosecution of traffic violators, particularly those responsible for road accidents.
During his first address to the media, the corps marshal drew the attention of road users to the topic of moral and ethical revival, which has emerged as a serious concern in the country. He also warned against traffic violations, citing examples of avoidable wrecks with fire outbreaks that resulted in wanton loss of life and property destruction.
According to him, there is no turning back on prosecuting reckless drivers. (NAN)
