Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Police Command in Enugu State has confirmed the death of 10 persons, while 10 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in two separate road crashes on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.
According to the police, the road accidents occurred in the morning hours and later in the afternoon within the same Gariki axis.
A statement by the command’s image maker, SP Daniel Ndukwe, indicated that the morning accident involved a truck, a Toyota Corolla car, and a commuter bus; while that of the afternoon involved a truck and a tricycle, otherwise known as a “Keke,” carrying four passengers.
According to Ndukwe, 10 persons lost their lives in a fire ignited by the affected truck, while 10 others were in critical condition and were taken to the UNTH and other hospitals for treatment.
He said: “The Enugu State Police Command regrets to inform the public of two separate but tragic fatal road accidents that occurred today, 3rd September 2025, along the Ozalla/4-Corner axis of the dual-carriage Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway.
“The crashes claimed 10 lives and left 10 others hospitalised.
“The first incident, a multiple-vehicle crash, happened at about 9 a.m. on the Enugu inward-bound lane.
“A Howo truck, inscribed Visco Investment Global and laden with bags of white cement, was en route to Abuja from Aba, Abia State, when it collided with a Toyota Corolla car that was attempting to overtake another truck on the same route.
“A Foton bus and a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus, both driving one-way, were also caught in the collision.
“Sadly, the truck head and the Toyota Corolla car went up in flames, with five occupants of the car burnt to death.
“A passenger in the mini bus was equally confirmed dead by the attending medical doctor.
“Similarly, at about 3 p.m. on the same road, another fatal crash occurred.
“This time, it involved a Sino truck belonging to Global Investment and a tricycle.
“The truck, laden with cement and driving one-way from Garriki, Enugu, to Nenwe in Aninri LGA, on the same Enugu inward-bound lane, rammed into the tricycle, leading to the death of its four occupants. They were rushed to the hospital but later confirmed dead.
“Ten others injured in the separate crashes are currently receiving medical attention.”
The police spokesman further said that the Commissioner of Police, Bitrus Giwa, had called for a thorough investigation into the gory accidents, while cautioning road users to be more careful.
“The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Bitrus Giwa, psc, while mourning the tragic loss of lives and commiserating with the families of the deceased, has directed the State Motor Traffic Department to carry out a diligent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accidents.
“The CP described the crashes as avoidable and strongly cautioned drivers to exercise utmost care, especially during these Ember Months, when road traffic usually increases and accidents are more frequent.
“He reminded motorists that no journey is worth the loss of lives, urging them to shun recklessness, obey traffic rules, and prioritize safety over speed to prevent further tragedies,” Ndukwe stated.
