No fewer than two persons lost their lives on Sunday following a fatal road traffic crash along the Ihiala–Onitsha Road, directly opposite the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office in Ihiala, Anambra State.
The incident, which occurred at about 9:30 a.m., involved a commercial tanker and a motorcycle, both reportedly without registration numbers at the time of the crash.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the tanker was travelling at high speed before the driver lost control and rammed into a road barricade. The impact triggered an explosion, leading to a fire outbreak that also affected a motorcycle trailing the tanker.
The driver of the tanker and his conductor died at the scene, while the motorcycle rider sustained injuries and was promptly rescued. The injured victim was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, for medical treatment.
A total of three adult males were involved in the crash, with preliminary investigations by the FRSC attributing the probable cause of the accident to speeding and loss of control.
Rescue operatives from FRSC Unit RS5.34, in collaboration with the fire service, responded swiftly to the emergency and successfully brought the fire under control.
Reacting to the incident, the Sector Commander, FRSC Anambra State Command, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and urged motorists to adhere strictly to speed limits and traffic regulations.
She advised drivers to remain alert, maintain full concentration while driving, and be mindful of their surroundings at all times to prevent avoidable crashes.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Motorists must drive within safe limits to stay alive,” she said.