By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
A tricycle operator on Wednesday lost his life in a road traffic crash involving a tanker at Immigration Junction in Agu Awka, along Awka–Enugu Expressway in Anambra.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra, Mrs Bridget Asekhauno, confirmed the accident to newsmen in Awka.
Asekhauno attributed the crash to brake failure, which led to loss of control.
She said the crash involved a Mark LPG tanker with no registration number and a commercial tricycle with registration number UMZ002QJ.
According to eyewitnesses, the tricycle rider was attempting to navigate through traffic being diverted by security personnel due to ongoing road reconstruction when the fully loaded tanker reportedly suffered brake failure and ran over him.
“FRSC rescue operatives arrived at the scene and found two persons involved in the accident. The tricycle operator was killed while the tanker driver was rescued unhurt.
“The victim was confirmed dead at the scene and his remains were evacuated and deposited at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital morgue in Awka.
“Personnel of the State Fire Service were placed on standby due to the inflammable content of the tanker to prevent any secondary incident,” she said.
The Sector Commander expressed concern over the incident and urged motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, to ensure their vehicle were in good mechanical condition.
“This crash is avoidable. Drivers must adhere to prescribed speed limits and exercise caution when approaching junctions, diversions and construction zones. Lives are irreplaceable,” she said.
Asekhauno reaffirmed the command’s commitment to saving lives through enforcement, rescue operations and public enlightenment.
She also advised road users to utilise the FRSC toll-free emergency number, 122, to report crashes.(NAN) www.nannews.ng