By Ovat Abeng
Three people were killed and four others seriously injured on Friday after a commercial truck lost control, crashed and caught fire in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. near St. Jude Catholic Church along the Nnobi–Agulu–Awka Road.
The Mercedes-Benz 608 truck, carrying seven male passengers, reportedly somersaulted before hitting a roadside barricade and bursting into flames.
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In a statement by the Sector Public Education Officer, Margaret Onabe, the FRSC urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and avoid transporting flammable materials in unsafe conditions.
According to Onabe, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle suffered a mechanical failure while in motion, caught fire, and the driver subsequently lost control. The truck crashed into a roadside barricade, somersaulted, and trapped some occupants as it became engulfed in flames.
“A total of seven (7) male occupants were involved in the crash. Three (3) persons lost their lives, while four (4) others sustained serious injuries.
FRSC rescue personnel received the distress call at 10:35 a.m. and arrived at the scene by 10:45 a.m., recording a response time of 10 minutes. Officers immediately commenced traffic control operations, diverted traffic to the opposite lane to ease vehicular movement, and made arrangements to tow the burnt vehicle off the roadway.
The Sector Commander, FRSC Anambra State Command, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno expressed deep sympathy to the families of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery. She reiterated the Corps’ commitment to prompt emergency response and road safety enforcement across the state.
The Command advised motorists, particularly commercial vehicle operators, to ensure that their vehicles are mechanically sound before embarking on any journey.
“Drivers are also urged to avoid conveying flammable or hazardous materials inside passenger compartments or in unsafe conditions, and to carry out regular vehicle maintenance to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to devastating crashes.
“The FRSC remains committed to protecting lives and property on Nigerian roads and calls on Ndi Anambra to make safety their highest priority,” she stated.
