The Enugu State Police Command said it has ordered an investigation into two road crashes that claimed 10 lives and left 10 people injured along the Ozalla/4-Corner axis of the dual-carriage Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said that the accidents which left 10 others hospitalised, happened at about 9 a.m. on the Enugu inward-bound lane, on Wednesday.

He explained that a Howo truck, inscribed Visco Investment Global and laden with bags of white cement, was en route to Abuja from Aba, Abia State, when it collided with a Toyota Corolla car that was attempting to overtake another truck on the same route.

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The PPRO stated that a Foton bus and a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus, both driving against the flow of traffic, popularly known as ‘one-way,’ were also caught in the collision.

“Sadly, the truck and the Toyota Corolla car went up in flames, with five occupants of the car burning to death. A passenger in the mini bus was equally confirmed dead by the attending medical doctor.

“Similarly, at about 3 p.m. on the same road, another fatal crash occurred. This time, it involved a Sino truck belonging to Global Investment and a tricycle.

“The truck, laden with cement and driving one-way from Garriki Enugu to Nenwe in Aninri LGA, on the same Enugu inward-bound lane, rammed into the tricycle, leading to the death of its four occupants,” Ndukwe said in a statement shared on the police command’s official handle.

According to him, the victims were rushed to the hospital but later confirmed dead, while 10 other persons injured are currently receiving medical attention.

“The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Giwa, while mourning the tragic loss of lives and commiserating with the families of the deceased, has directed the State Motor Traffic Department to carry out a diligent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accidents.

“The CP describes the crashes as avoidable and strongly cautioned drivers to exercise utmost care, especially during these ‘Ember months,’ when road traffic usually increases and accidents are more frequent.

“He reminded motorists that no journey is worth the loss of lives, urging them to shun recklessness, obey traffic rules, and prioritise safety over speed to prevent further tragedies,” the PPRO stated.