By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of over 15 passengers along Ituku axis of Enugu – Port Harcourt Expressway.

The Public Relations officer (PPRO) of the Command, DSP, Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement issued on Sunday, April 9, 2023, revealed that the fatal accident which occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday evening, involved a Mercedes Benz Tipper with registration Number: AAA 285 XR and an 18-Seater Commuter marked Enugu South Mass Transit bus, with Registration Number: NKE 622 XA, occurred at Ituku in Awgu Local Government Area, along Enugu – Port Harcourt Expressway.

According to Ndukwe, “Preliminary investigation reveals that the Tipper loaded with bags of cement and plying against traffic from Enugu City, had a head-on collision with the Bus loaded with passengers and coming from Aba, Abia State. After the head-on collision, both vehicles went up in flames and all the occupants burnt beyond recognition, except the driver of the Tipper, who was found alive and is currently admitted in hospital.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Ammani, while bemoaning the unfortunate incident in this Easter season, when Christians in the State and the world over were commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, has prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and also consoled their families, friends and loved ones.

“The CP has, therefore, ordered the State Traffic Officer to carry out full-scale motor traffic investigation into the incident, including evacuating the remains and obtaining the exact identities of the deceased victims and their relatives, as well as coming up with actionable report.

“He cautions motorists against disobeying road traffic rules, while reiterating that the only way to safety on the road is to exercise caution, patience and obey all road traffic rules and regulations.”