OVER 18 BURNT TO DEATH ON ENUGU-PORTHARCOURT EXPRESSWAY

REPORTER: CHUKWUBUIKE MADU

A Mercedes Benz Tipper fully loaded with cement has collided with an eighteen-Seater Commuter Enugu South Mass Transit bus, killing all the occupants, except the tipper driver.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Daniel Ndukwe Ekea, notes that the incident occured at Ituku, Awgu Local Government Area, on the Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway.

The Mercedes Benz Tipper has the registration number: AAA 285 XR while the 18-Seater Commuter Enugu South Mass Transit bus, has registration number: NKE 622 XA.

According to the statement, preliminary investigation reveals that the Tipper loaded with bags of cement and plying against traffic from Enugu City, had a head-on collision with the Bus loaded with passengers coming from Aba, Abia State, which resulted in the both vehicles bursting up in flames.

It states that all the occupants burnt beyond recognition, except the driver of the truck, who was found alive and is currently admitted in the hospital.

The statement notes that the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmed Ammani, while bemoaning the unfortunate incident this Easter, when Christians in the State and the world over are commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, has prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and also consoled their families, friends and loved ones.

It indicates that the Police Commissioner has ordered the State Traffic Officer to carry out full-scale motor traffic investigation into the incident, including evacuating the remains and obtaining the exact identities of the deceased victims and their relatives, as well as coming up with actionable report.

The statement cautions motorists against disobeying road traffic rules, while reiterating that the only way to safety on the road is to exercise caution, patience and obey all road traffic rules and regulations.