Tragedy struck along the Ozalla/4-Corner axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway on Wednesday as two separate road accidents claimed the lives of ten people and left ten others severely injured.
According to a statement released by the Enugu State Police Command Spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe, the first accident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on the Enugu inbound lane.
A Howo truck, marked with the inscription Visco Investment Global and carrying bags of white cement, collided with a Toyota Corolla car attempting to overtake another vehicle. The collision also involved a Foton bus and a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus both reportedly driving against traffic.
The impact of the crash caused the truck and Toyota Corolla to burst into flames, killing all five occupants of the car. A passenger in the Hijet mini bus also died at the scene.
Later in the day, around 3:00 p.m., another fatal crash occurred on the same stretch of road. This incident involved a Sino truck, owned by Global Investment, which was reportedly driving one-way from Garriki, Enugu, to Nenwe in Aninri Local Government Area.
The truck collided with a tricycle, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants, who were confirmed dead after being rushed to the hospital.
Police say ten others injured in both crashes are receiving treatment in local hospitals.
Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu Giwa, has expressed deep sorrow over the incidents and has ordered a full investigation into the causes of the crashes.
He also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that measures would be taken to prevent future tragedies on the road.