By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
A driver with Peace Mass Transit has been confirmed dead following a fatal road accident that occurred on the Abakaliki–Afikpo Trans-Saharan Highway on Tuesday. Several passengers on board the vehicle sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred near the popular Centenary City Junction, a short distance from the Central Park in Abakaliki. The commercial Hiace bus, operated by Peace Mass Transit, had reportedly arrived in Abakaliki and was approaching the junction when it collided with a lorry that was attempting to reverse onto the highway.
The impact left the bus extensively damaged, with the driver reportedly dying on the spot. The injured passengers were rescued by sympathisers and other road users who rushed to the scene shortly after the crash.
The affected vehicle, a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number AKL 403 XA, was later surrounded by rescuers as efforts were made to evacuate victims. A towing vehicle was also deployed to remove the wreckage and restore the free flow of traffic.
The accident caused a major traffic gridlock along the highway, leaving motorists stranded until the damaged vehicles could be cleared from the road.
Confirming the incident, the Police PPRO, Joshua Ukandu confirmed that the driver died on the spot while other passengers were rushed to the hospital.
“Yeah, concerning the incident,the driver died at the spot,but other passengers were taking to hospital for treatment.I will get back to you for further details “. Ukandu said.
