A horrific accident unfolded on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway on Thursday morning, leaving scores of passengers feared dead. The tragedy occurred at a security checkpoint on the Lokpanta axis, where an 18-seater bus filled with passengers became the target of a runaway trailer.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint Grim Picture:
According to eyewitnesses, the bus was patiently waiting in line, undergoing routine checks by security personnel. However, disaster struck when a trailer, allegedly losing control, careened into the back of the bus. This resulted in a brutal impact, claiming the lives of some passengers and leaving others critically injured.
Anger and Frustration Erupt, Protests Block Expressway:
The aftermath of the accident was met with a wave of anger and frustration. Drivers and commuters, enraged by the possible role of the security checkpoint in slowing traffic and potentially contributing to the accident, emerged from their vehicles in protest. Their fury was directed at the security agents, and they demanded their immediate removal from the scene.
Traffic Gridlock and Calls for Accountability:
The protest quickly escalated, leading to a complete blockage of the expressway for several hours. This effectively halted all traffic flow, preventing vehicles from reaching major cities like Enugu, Umuahia, Aba, and surrounding areas. The situation demanded immediate action, and Governor Alex Otti stepped forward to address the crisis.
Governor Otti Orders Investigation and Pledges Support:
Governor Otti, demonstrating swift leadership, responded by ordering a thorough investigation into the accident. His primary focus was twofold: to determine if any negligence or misconduct by security personnel contributed to the tragedy and to ensure those responsible are held accountable. Otti emphasized that “anyone found culpable will not be allowed to go scot-free.”
Prioritizing Rescue Efforts and Restoring Order:
Beyond accountability, Governor Otti made clear that the immediate priority was to save lives. He stressed the importance of ensuring proper medical care for the injured passengers, stating, “Our interest as a government is to ensure that those who were injured are properly taken care of.”
Official Casualty Figures and Road Clearance Efforts:
While the initial reports were grim, Governor Otti provided the official casualty figure available at the time of his statement: three confirmed fatalities. He further assured the public that authorities were actively working to clear the scene. This included the deployment of a crane by the Mayor of Umunneochi to remove the obstruction caused by the wrecked trailer. These efforts aimed to restore normalcy and allow for the resumption of traffic flow.
Information Gap and Unanswered Questions:
The report concludes by acknowledging the lack of response from the police at the time of filing. This absence of official commentary from law enforcement leaves several questions unanswered. A full investigation will hopefully shed light on the cause of the accident, the extent of casualties, and the potential role of the security checkpoint in this devastating event.
