The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has confirmed the death of two persons in a road accident that occured at Ntigha junction, along the Abia State section of Enugu- Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway on Sunday.
The Sector Commander of Abia State FRSC Command, Ngozi Ezeoma confirmed the development on Monday.
She said that the accident, which involved a Toyota Hiace bus, occurred at about 5:00 pm on Sunday and was reported at about five minutes after the incident. According to her, 16 passengers who were returning from a program were on board when the accident happened.
Ezeoma who said FRSC officials arrived at the scene of the accident a few minutes after it was reported, said that male passenger died on the spot while another passenger who was found in critical condition was rushed to Central Medical Centre, Mbawsi.
According to the sector commander, despite efforts made to save the second passenger, he later died, making the number of dead victims two.
She disclosed that preliminary investigation indicated that the accident was caused by burst tyre when the vehicle was in motion.
She added some other passengers who were injured during the crash were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia where they are receiving medical attention.
The sector commander, who condoled with the families of the dead victims, however reiterated the need for drivers to use standard tyres and obey all road safety guidelines.
“This is why we are sensitizing drivers on the need to avoid substandard tyres and the need to respect road safety rules.
“This Ember month, passengers should speak up against dangerous driving.
Crashes kill more passengers than drivers,” she said.
Additional reports had it that the victims were members of The Church of Christ, Umuahia Branch, who were on a church program.