By Gabriel Ameh
Awka, Anambra State. A commercial tricycle operator has died following a fatal road crash involving a tanker at Immigration Junction, Agu Awka, along the Awka Enugu Expressway.
The incident occurred on Wednesday and was confirmed by the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State, Bridget Asekhauno, who attributed the crash to suspected brake failure.
According to the FRSC, the accident involved a Mark LPG tanker without a registration number and a tricycle with registration number UMZ002QJ.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tricycle rider was navigating a traffic diversion created by ongoing road construction when the tanker reportedly suffered brake failure and rammed into him.
FRSC rescue operatives who arrived at the scene confirmed that two persons were involved in the crash. The tricycle operator died instantly, while the tanker driver escaped without injuries.
The victim’s body was evacuated and deposited at the mortuary of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka.
Due to the highly inflammable nature of the tanker’s contents, personnel of the State Fire Service were deployed and placed on standby to prevent a possible fire outbreak or secondary explosion.
Describing the crash as preventable, Asekhauno stressed the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and caution, particularly for drivers of articulated vehicles.
She warned that brake failure remains a major cause of fatal crashes in Nigeria, especially around construction zones and busy intersections.
The FRSC reiterated its commitment to road safety enforcement, emergency response, and public sensitisation aimed at reducing avoidable road accidents across Anambra State.
