…Residents Blame Reckless Driving for Fatal Accident
A devastating accident involving no fewer than 10 vehicles has caused panic at New Gariki along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, leaving human body parts scattered across the scene. The crash, which occurred on Wednesday morning, involved four trailers loaded with cattle and other goods, two commercial buses, two Sienna vehicles, and several smaller cars trapped beneath the fallen articulated trucks.
The accident happened around the busy Gariki Market area, and as of the time of filing this report, the casualty figure remained unknown. However, the extent of destruction suggested significant loss of lives. Human body parts were visibly strewn under the trailers, making rescue efforts difficult and chaotic.
Traders from the nearby Gariki Market attempted to rescue survivors trapped under the wreckage, but their efforts were hindered by the severity of the crash. Many wailed helplessly as they struggled to lift heavy tyres and metal frames pinning victims down.
One trader, who witnessed the accident, blamed motorists who were driving against traffic on the newly reconstructed lane of the expressway. “People were driving one-way with speed. Before we knew it, trailers and vehicles collided and everything scattered,” he recounted.
The situation escalated until about 20 soldiers arrived in four gun trucks and a Black Maria. The military personnel immediately began controlling traffic and creating passage for stranded motorists, as the gridlock had forced all vehicles to divert to the only usable lane.
Efforts were still ongoing at the time of this report to free trapped passengers and evacuate remains from under the trailers. Authorities had yet to make an official statement regarding the cause of the crash or the number of casualties.
The accident has caused widespread panic among motorists and residents, with many expressing concern over the safety of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. The road has been prone to accidents in the past, and this latest incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of measures put in place to prevent such tragedies.
The Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway is a major highway that connects the eastern and southern parts of Nigeria, and accidents on this road often result in significant loss of life and property.
The accident is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for motorists to exercise caution while driving.
