3 killed, many injured as trailer rams into shops in Akwa Ibom

A tragic accident occurred on Tuesday in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State when a trailer veered off course and rammed into shops in the local community.

The incident resulted in the deaths of three people and left several others injured.

Gideon Uwa, the chairperson of the Etim Ekpo local government council, confirmed the incident in a statement shared on Facebook.

Although the exact time of the accident is unclear, it is believed to have happened in the early hours of Tuesday.

The local authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, while emergency services have been mobilized to assist the injured.

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“Up till about 2 a.m. today, Tuesday, 12 November 2024, I was at the scene of a fatal crash involving a trailer and motorists at Etim Ekpo Roundabout, which resulted in the unfortunate loss of three lives,” the chairperson said, adding that the survivors had been taken to the hospital for treatment.

Mr Uwa did not, however, say what the cause of the accident was.

“As I continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates, let me seize this opportunity to reiterate that my administration will undertake a comprehensive review and remodelling of the roundabout to curb incessant ghastly accidents in concert with the Akwa Ibom State Government.

“I condole with the families of the deceased and urge motorists to prioritise safety by adhering to speed limits and maintaining control of their vehicles to avoid preventable tragedies, especially as we approach the yuletide,” he said.

The chairperson thanked Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for quickly deploying service providers to the accident scene to help the victims.

The Federal Road Safety Corps is yet to speak on the accident.

A federal highway connecting Akwa Ibom and Abia State crosses through Etim Ekpo. Heavy-duty trucks and trailers carrying goods in and out of both states frequently drive through the road.

(PremiumTimes)