Enugu: Tragedy as Trailer Kills Family, Others, Viral Video Causes Tears
- A trailer reportedly belonging to Dangote Group on Wednesday, September 3, crushed a family at Four Corner Junction in Enugu state
- The development comes days after Ruth, sister of former Big Brother Naija winner, Phyna, died from injuries sustained in an accident involving a Dangote Group truck
- Road accidents are common in Nigeria and considered a major public health crisis, with high rates of fatalities, injuries, and deaths compared to global averages
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro.
Enugu, Enugu state - Tragedy struck in Enugu as a yet-to-be-ascertained number of family members and others were killed by a truck allegedly belonging to the Dangote Group
As reported by TVC News, the incident occurred at Four Corner, along Enugu-Port-Harcourt Expressway, in Nkanu West local government area (LGA) of the state.
Source: Original
The Nation also noted the unfortunate incident.
A now-viral video showed the accident, with onlookers lamenting the loss, while calling on the management of the company to adopt measures to curb the incessant road mishaps.
The video of the aftermath of the accident can be viewed below:
Police confirm Enugu accident
As of the time of this report, Dangote Group has not issued an official statement on the Enugu crash. However, police confirmed it.
The Enugu state police command said the two accidents occurred, with cement trucks killing 10 people.
Police said the first accident occured around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, when a Howo truck, inscribed Visco Investment Global and carrying cement from Aba to Abuja, collided with a Toyota Corolla that was attempting to overtake another vehicle.
A Foton bus and a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus, both driving one-way, were also caught in the collision.
The impact caused a fire that engulfed the Corolla, killing all five occupants.
One passenger in the mini bus was also confirmed dead on the spot, the police said.
Hours later, around 3 p.m., tragedy struck again on the same expressway when a Sino truck belonging to Global Investment and also laden with cement rammed into a tricycle. The truck, said to be driving against traffic, crushed the tricycle and its four occupants, who later died in hospital.
Police spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, said 10 other persons injured in the two crashes were rushed to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, where they are receiving treatment.
Enugu accident: Nigerians react
Meanwhile, Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) are reacting to the sad occurence in Enugu.
Legit.ng captured some comments below:
@FanyaMambo254 commented:
"This is sad."
@BLOSSOM4GOOD wrote:
"Just look at the conditions of the truck that apply the same road with smaller vehicles."
Ngoe Motale said:
"Their drivers do not have even waec certificate. Cheap labour."
@razprowess reacted:
"Confusion! More of a shock. What a sad reality."
@jbiizi wrote:
"Are these things not intentional?"
@hissdigg wrote:
"Na all the truck for Nigeria be Dangote now?"
@masoncraft15 said:
"Painful blow."
@Tobe_Nnadi commented:
"To even think we ply this same road everyday for postings,lectures and all what not....may God rest the souls of the departed."
Nonso Nvene wrote:
"It's a daily risk and the odds of an accident is high."
@Adichiefan said:
"Jesus Christ. God please. Please, I hope everyone survived?"
@DNeMa_ commented:
"This is heartbreaking."
@realfcode wrote:
"Those truck drivers are destroying lives."
Legit.ng reports that accidents, particularly road tragedies, are common in Nigeria, with the country recording a significant number of fatalities and injuries each year due to factors such as speeding, poor road conditions, vehicle maintenance failures, and dangerous driving practices.
Nigeria has one of the highest rates of road traffic fatalities in Africa and the world, making them a serious public health concern.
Read more Enugu-related news:
- KWAM 3: Drama as Enugu Air officials drag passenger on board out, video sparks reactions
- Enugu re-run-election: Drama as INEC declares Labour Party candidate serving jail term winner
Dangote reacts to Phyna’s sister’s death
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Dangote Group reacted to the death of Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of reality television star Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, better known as Phyna.
In a statement posted on the company's official X account, the management of Dangote expressed grief over the incident, calling it as a tragic loss.
Dangote management also stated that safety, accountability, and compassion remain key to its operations, while assuring the public of its continuous commitment to upgrading safety procedures.
Source: Legit.ng
