Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
At least two people have died and nine others sustained serious injuries in a road traffic collision on the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway near the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, official sources confirmed.
The crash occurred during the early hours of the day and involved multiple vehicles, though details about the exact circumstances of the collision — such as the number and types of vehicles involved and potential causes — have not yet been officially disclosed.
A distress call was placed shortly after the incident, prompting the Anambra State Ambulance Emergency System to activate its response protocols under the direction of the State Commissioner for Health. Ambulance crews and emergency responders were dispatched quickly to the scene to attend to victims and coordinate medical evacuation.
Injured victims were transported without delay to Amaku Specialist Teaching Hospital and Eldorado Hospital for urgent medical care. Emergency physicians and trauma teams at both facilities commenced treatment immediately upon their arrival.
Dr. Afam Obidike, who was present at the scene and conducted inspections of the receiving hospitals, confirmed that two persons lost their lives in the crash. He said the deceased were pronounced dead either at the scene or shortly after arrival at the hospitals. An additional nine victims, some with severe injuries, are currently undergoing treatment; several are reported to be in stable condition following initial interventions.
At both medical facilities, Dr. Obidike offered condolences to the families of the deceased and underscored the emotional toll that such accidents exact on communities. He also reiterated the commitment of the Anambra State Government to strengthening emergency medical response capabilities, highlighting the role of the Ambulance Emergency System in delivering rapid care and facilitating timely transfers to treatment centres.
According to the health commissioner, ongoing improvements to emergency infrastructure — including expanded ambulance coverage, training for first responders, and inter‑hospital coordination — are critical to reducing fatalities and mitigating the severity of injuries in road accidents across the state.
The Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, a major federal highway linking southeastern and south‑central Nigeria, has a history of serious traffic collisions, often attributed to high vehicle speeds, complex traffic mixes, challenging road conditions and occasional visibility issues. Road safety advocates have called for enhanced enforcement of traffic regulations and continued investment in road maintenance and driver education to prevent future tragedies.
While investigations into the specific cause of Monday’s accident are underway, authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, especially on busy corridors such as the expressway. The State Commissioner for Health also urged bystanders and community members to report emergencies quickly to facilitate more effective ambulance deployment.
As families mourn the loss of loved ones and others recover from their injuries, the incident once again highlights the importance of emergency medical services and rapid response systems in saving lives after road accidents.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments