Many Injured as Cement-Laden Trailer Crashes Into Commercial Vehicles in Aba

Several passengers of both commercial buses and tricycles popularly known as “Keke Napep” sustained injuries in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State after a fully loaded trailer conveying cement reportedly lost control and rammed into commercial vehicles and tricycles at the Waterside Bridge, Ogbor Hill axis of the Ikot-Ekpene Expressway, off Aba main town.

Eyewitnesses said the accident caused panic in the busy commercial area as the trailer crashed into multiple vehicles, leaving several victims injured and causing significant damage to property.

Reports at the time of filing the report have it that no deaths were recorded in the incident, although a number of severely injured persons were immediately evacuated to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.

In a swift response to the emergency, officials of the Abia State Harmonized Taskforce (ASHTF), Aba Zone D, led by Innocent Chiboy Abuwa, arrived the scene to coordinate traffic control and manage the large crowd that gathered after the crash.

The emergency operation also attracted the presence of top government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport, Timothy Kalu Iheke, Mayor of Aba North, Uche Wogu, as well as the Area Coordinator of the Abia State Harmonized Taskforce in the Aba area.

Through the combined efforts of the emergency responders and government officials, the damaged vehicles and obstruction were cleared from the road within a short period, helping to restore the free flow of traffic and normal business activities in the area.

The incident respondents said has once again raised concerns over the safety of road users following the increasing number of heavy-duty vehicle and associated accidents within the Waterside Bridge and Ogbor Hill area.

They appealed to Governor Alex Otti to build a flyover in the area as part of measures to end or limit to the bearest minimum, the level of accident occurring at the Waterside Bridge.

Our correspondent reports, that the popular Ahịa Ude (Slaughter) located at the Waterside Bridge was relocated from there to the Orji Uzor Kalu end of the same Waterside by the former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration as part of measures to reduce the frequent devastating impact of accidents on that part of Aba.

A statement by the ASHTF over the incident read “A fully loaded trailer of cement lost control late last night at Waterside, Ogborhill, Aba, causing significant damage to several tricycles and vehicles.

“Fortunately, no fatalities were recorded. However, a number of individuals sustained injuries and were promptly evacuated to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.

“In a swift and coordinated response, the Abia State Harmonized Taskforce (ASHTF), Aba zone D, under the leadership of Innocent Chiboy Abuwa, immediately took charge of traffic control and crowd management at the scene.

“The emergency response also attracted the presence and support of key government officials, including:

– Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport

Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke – Mayor of Aba North

Chief Uche Wogu – Area Coordinator, Abia State Harmonized Taskforce, Aba Area

“Through their collective efforts, the obstruction was swiftly cleared, traffic flow was restored, and normal business activities resumed within a short period of time.

“This successful intervention underscores the effectiveness of the government of His Excellency Dr Alex chioma Otti the Executive Governor of Abia State and inter-agency collaboration.

“And reaffirms the Abia State Government’s commitment to public safety and rapid emergency response.

“We commend all stakeholders and law-abiding citizens who contributed to maintaining order during and after the incident.”