The trading community in Umuahia has been plunged into deep mourning following a horrific road accident on the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway that claimed the lives of fourteen traders. The tragedy occurred late Saturday evening, leaving families and colleagues at the popular Isi Gate Market in a state of total shock.
The group, mostly business owners from the Bonny Street and Owerri Road axis of the Abia State capital, were returning from a joyous occasion in Enugu State the traditional wedding of one of their fellow traders. What was meant to be a day of celebration turned into a nightmare around 6:45 p.m. when their Toyota Coaster bus was involved in a violent collision with a Mercedes truck.
Reports reaching indicate that the impact was devastating. Eleven of the passengers lost their lives immediately at the scene of the crash. Emergency responders rushed the survivors to nearby medical facilities, but sadly, three more victims passed away while receiving treatment, bringing the death toll to fourteen. Several other passengers remain in critical condition as doctors fight to save their lives.
Confirming the incident, the Enugu State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Franklin Agbakoba, described the loss as a significant tragedy. While the exact cause of the collision is still being investigated, authorities are working to piece together the events that led to the fatal encounter on the busy expressway.
In Umuahia, the atmosphere remains heavy as news of the identities of the deceased filters through the market. Many shops stayed closed as a mark of respect for the departed, with many describing the victims as hardworking individuals who were simply out to support one of their own.
