On Friday evening, August 16, a tragic accident occurred in the Emene suburb of Enugu East local government area, Enugu State, and this led to the deaths of three passengers and leaving two others critically injured.

SaharaReporters reports that a heavy-duty truck carrying laterite collided with a mini bus at Orie Emene Junction around 7pm.

The mini bus, carrying seven passengers and the driver, was travelling from Old Park to Emene when the incident happened.

Although some passengers managed to jump out, three were crushed to death, and two others sustained severe injuries.

Eyewitnesses attributed the accident to the truck driver’s actions, questioning what could have caused him to lose control, as there was no apparent speeding or brake failure.

The incident has raised concerns about road safety and the need for responsible driving practices.

“We cannot even believe what happened here this evening. It is still inconceivable because this is a busy junction. Although the current administration has removed all the bumps the previous administration puts on the road to checkmate speeding, the truck was coming to the junction from the Adoration road which has some obstacles before getting to the junction,” one of the eyewitnesses, who simply identified himself as Okechi Michael stated.

He added, “Before approaching the junction the truck crossed railway line just about a pole to the junction. So the truck wasn’t on speed and it couldn’t have been brake failure because the driver just crossed the rail line and rammed into the bus.

“The police have arrested the driver of the truck, I hope they will not collect money from the construction firm and let him go. The truck driver needs to be thoroughly examined and charged for manslaughter or first degree murder. These three passengers he killed with two others still critical need justice.” 

An Air Force personnel who participated in the rescue effort efforts, decried the incident wondering what might have gotten over the truck driver.