4 Journalists Dead, 18 Injured In Akwa Ibom Auto Crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps has said that four members of staff of Akwa Ibom Newspaper Corporation died in a motor accident along Uyo-Oron Road.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the victims were returning from the traditional marriage of a colleague’s daughter when the incident occurred.

The Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr. Sunday Oghenekaro, disclosed this to NANin Uyo on Thursday.

Oghenekaro said the accident, which occurred on Wednesday evening, was a lone one involving a Hiace bus along Uyo-Oron Road, near Ekpene Ukim in Uruan Local Government Area.

He attributed the accident to overloading and speeding, stressing that the 14-seater bus was conveying 22 persons.

“Twenty-two persons were involved in the lone accident, comprising six male adults, 14 female adults and two female children.

“One male adult and three female adults lost their lives in the accident.

“This shows that the vehicle was overloaded and on speed, possibly the driver lost control, the vehicle somersaulted several times, killing four persons on the spot, while 18 persons sustained several degrees of injuries,” Oghenekaro said.

He explained that 18 injured persons were rescued by Governor Udom Emmanuel’s motorcade, which was coming from Ibom International Airport when the accident occurred.

According to him, the injured are receiving treatment at Ituk Mbang General Hospital and those in critical conditions have been sent to Ibom Specialist Hospital in Uyo.

He said, “A 14-seater bus conveying 22 persons showed that the vehicle was overloaded, which we preach against.”

The commander appealed to drivers to plan their journeys and begin on time to avoid rushing and accidents.

Credit: NAN