By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
An auto crash that occurred on Calabar/ Itu Highway in Akwa Ibom State has claimed the lives of five passengers made up of three females and two males.
The accident which occurred at about 3pm, involved a Nissan Caravan with Registration number GWB532XY and a Mark Truck with NO registration number.
According to a statement yesterday, signed by the Public Enlightenment Officer of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Akwa Ibom State Command, Mr Paul James the accident occurred due to overspending.
James stated that the accident could have been avoided if the motorists had adhered to safety regulations while on road.
The statement reads in part” A Fatal Crash occurred on Saturday 2nd December, 2023 along Itu – Calabar road by Ayadehe at about 1510hrs.
“The crash involved a Nissan Caravan with Registration number GWB532XY and a Mark Truck with NO registration number.
“Eleven Male and Five Female were involved, and Three out of the Five female and Two out of the Eleven Male involved were confirmed dead, while the remaining Eleven Male and female sustained injuries of various degrees.
“When report of the incident was received, the FRSC operatives mobilized and moved over to attend to the situation. Upon arrival at the crash scene, the injured ones were moved to nearby Hospitals for prompt medical attention while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the morgue.
“When inquiry was made as to the cause of the crash, it was gathered that the causal factor to the crash was speed related according to eye witnesses. After evacuation of the victims, the road was cleared of the wreckage to enable free-flow of traffic.” The statement revealed.
Meanwhile, the Sector Commander, Mr. Matthew Olonisaye has warned road users especially motorists against over speeding, Wrong-way Drive and Indiscriminate Parking.
While reiterating the need for safety consciousness among drivers, the sector commander advised passengers to ensure that drivers are not ignored when deviance to road safety is observed.
He commiserated with the families of the deceased, and wished the injured quick recovery.
