A trailer driver hit and killed three female children, a woman and two men, on Friday, at Command Junction, Nnewi, before fleeing the scene, the Anambra State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said.
The Sector Commander, Mrs Joyce Alexander, who confirmed the accident to journalist on Saturday, in Awka, said the accident could be attributed to speeding, brake failure and loss of control.
Alexander said the crash involved a black commercial trailer with registration number UKP-540YP, a white commercial Mercedes lorry with registration number ATN-279ZK, and three motorcycles without registration numbers.
“According to eyewitnesses, the trailer, fully loaded with cement, was descending a hill at high speed when it experienced brake failure, lost control and collided with the Mercedes lorry.
“The trailer then crashed into a roadside container shop, pushing the container into a nearby building.
“A total of six male adults, one female adult and three female children were involved in the crash.
“Four male adults sustained injuries, while two male adults, one female adult, and three female children lost their lives,” she said.
According to the Sector Commander, a male adult and a female adult mong the deceased, were trapped inside a building.
She said that FRSC rescue team from Nnewi conducted an extrication after which the bodies of the deceased were taken to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Akammili Umudim, Nnewi.
Alexander who visited the scene of the crash met with the owner of the house that was destroyed by the trailer, offered her condolences and assured him that he would be kept informed as investigations progressed.
She assured that the Command would undertake crash investigations and other procedures to ensure the absconded driver and the owner of the trailer were found.
The Sector Commander also visited surviving crash victims at the Teaching Hospital and established contact to receive regular progress reports on their recovery.
At the crash scene, FRSC Operatives engaged with Police to ensure the safe offloading and trans-loading of the cement bags, while a heavy-duty tow truck was on standby to tow the trailer out of the crash scene afterwards.
Alexander condoled with the families of the deceased and advised motorists to service their vehicles regularly to meet minimum safety standards before plying the roads.
