Four individuals have tragically lost their lives in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State. The incident took place on Tuesday on the Aba River Bridge in Ogbor-Hill.
Reports indicate that the accident occurred when a trailer carrying a 40-foot container experienced a brake failure while descending from Ogbor-Hill, leading to a collision with two vehicles at the top of the Aba River Bridge.
It is noteworthy that a similar accident on the Aba River had necessitated the relocation of the abattoir in the area known as Ahia-Udele. This recent accident is the first of its kind since the market relocation.
An eyewitness recounted that the vehicle, descending from Opobo-Junction along Aba Ikot-Ekepe Highway, was swerving uncontrollably and unfortunately collided with a Siena car and another stationary vehicle after encountering a malfunctioning trailer on top of the bridge. The collision resulted in the vehicle falling on top of the stationary vehicle, causing fatalities and injuries to multiple individuals.
Efforts to reach the Federal Road Safety Commission at the accident site were unsuccessful as they departed when public anger in Aba grew due to their failure to bring a crane to lift the container and rescue trapped victims.
It was reported that even three hours after the accident, there were no towing vans or cranes present at the scene to remove the container.
An eyewitness, Mr. Ikenna Nzekwe, expressed surprise at the failure of both the Abia State Government and the Federal Government to construct a flyover across the bridge to alleviate traffic congestion from Uyo, Ikot-Ekepe into the commercial city of Aba.
He stated, “We need a permanent solution to these recurrent accidents on this bridge.
“Similar incidents occurred two and three years ago, as well as before the market was relocated. It is evident that this hill poses a significant threat to a straight road. How much longer will we allow our people to perish in this manner?
“When will the government acknowledge that these heavy-duty vehicles should not be on the road during the daytime? When will government agencies prioritize the removal of malfunctioning vehicles from the road to save lives? These are the issues that demand our attention.”
Another eyewitness, Anayo Ihueze, remarked, “This was a preventable accident, but it unfolded in this manner. There was no concerted rescue effort. The rescued individuals were assisted by concerned Aba residents who collaborated to save lives.
“I was among those citizens who rescued three individuals today, one of whom sustained severe leg injuries, one with significant injuries, and the other uninjured. Throughout these efforts, we only saw limited involvement from the Fire Service.
“The soldiers and police seemed primarily concerned with security, maintaining law and order, and safeguarding the contents within the container. The FRSC arrived with minimal assistance, only bringing their Hilux. What kind of country is this?”
Meanwhile, while some residents were engaged in rescuing trapped individuals, certain delinquents attempted to pilfer some of the second-hand imported clothing inside the container. They were confronted by courageous residents who opposed and intercepted them.
