By Simon Utebor,The Nation
Copyright thenationonlineng
Fatal road crashes at the Ogwashi-Uku Junction in Delta State have brought tragic consequences, with nine lives lost and numerous injuries resulting from a sequence of events that escalated dramatically.
It was gathered yesterday that the first vehicle accident resulted in the death of two individuals.
A speeding Toyota Sienna had reportedly collided with onlookers and sympathisers who had gathered to assist, allegedly leading to the deaths of an additional seven people.
Several individuals were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries, primarily among those present at the scene.
Residents of the community perceived the incident as avoidable but for existing lapses in traffic management.
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They therefore called for improved regulations and enforcement related to road safety practices.
They contended that the recent crashes had reignited discussions about the need for better traffic control and road safety measures in the state to prevent future occurrences and protect lives.
“If there were proper traffic management and timely intervention, this wouldn’t have escalated into such a calamity,” one eyewitness claimed.
Some eyewitnesses, including a clergyman, identified simply as Rev. Kingsley, confirmed the accident.
According to him, he encountered the scene at about 9:30 p.m. while returning to Ogwashi-Uku from Asaba, the state capital, where he had gone to minister.
He described the crashes as gruesome, stating that blood from the victims’ bodies stained the ground.
Community leaders and motorists have also called on the Delta State Government, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other relevant agencies to urgently implement stricter traffic regulations, provide adequate signage at busy junctions, and ensure rapid response units are stationed in accident-prone areas to prevent further tragedies.
As families mourn their loved ones, the Ogwashi-Uku crash stands as a painful reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and weak safety enforcement.
When contacted, the Delta State Sector Public Enlightenment Officer, Superintendent Route Commander (SRC) Patrick Obiagbo, said, “The accident we know of happened between Ogwashi-Uku and Issele-Azagba involving a truck and transporter’s vehicle.”
Obiagbo emphasised that unless there was a separate, unreported crash elsewhere, the FRSC had no record of any deaths in the Ogwashi-Uku accident.
