A tragic road crash on Wednesday morning along Mbiabong Itam Road in Akwa Ibom State has claimed six lives, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed.
The fatal accident, which occurred around 8:00 a.m., involved a truck and a tricycle. According to the FRSC Sector Commander in Akwa Ibom, Mr. Edward Odiete, seven people were involved in the crash — four men, a woman, and two children.
“Sadly, three of the men, the woman, and the two children died in the crash,” Odiete said during a briefing in Uyo on Thursday.
The FRSC explained that the accident was caused by speeding and brake failure. While emergency responders rushed to the scene, the driver of the truck reportedly fled before their arrival.
“Our personnel quickly mobilized to the scene, but unfortunately, the truck driver had already escaped,” Odiete stated. “The victims’ bodies have been deposited at the morgue, and the road has since been cleared.”
Eyewitnesses told local reporters that the tricycle, also known as Keke, was attempting to cross the road when the truck, allegedly moving at high speed, rammed into it.
Odiete used the opportunity to advise drivers against overspeeding and other forms of reckless driving.
“Speeding kills. This incident could have been avoided if the driver and tricycle rider had followed road safety rules,” he said. “We urge motorists to take safety seriously. Avoid reckless driving, wrong-way movement, and distractions while driving.”
He also called on passengers to be more vocal when drivers operate dangerously, encouraging them to speak up in order to save lives.
The FRSC commiserated with the families of the deceased and assured the public of continued efforts to ensure safer roads across the state.
This latest incident adds to the growing number of road traffic fatalities in Nigeria, where poor vehicle maintenance, speeding, and bad roads continue to claim lives. The FRSC has repeatedly urged drivers to conduct regular vehicle checks and obey traffic laws to reduce accidents.
Authorities are still searching for the fleeing truck driver, while investigations into the incident continue.