Uko Okon
A devastating auto crash has occurred in Akwa Ibom State, claiming the lives of two children, three males, and one female.
The accident, involving a dyna truck and a tricycle (Keke), happened at 8 a.m. on Wednesday along Mbiabong Road, off Calabar/Itu Road.
It was gathered that the truck driver fled the scene immediately after the incident.
A statement by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Public Relations Officer, Paul James, on Thursday in Uyo, said the incident occurred as a result of over-speeding, which led to brake failure.
The statement read: “On Wednesday, 28th May 2025, a fatal crash occurred along Mbiabong road, off Itu-Calabar road at about 0800hrs. The crash involved a Tricycle (Keke) with Registration number DUU407WZ and a DYNA Truck without a registration number.
“Four (4) Male, One (1) Female, and Two (2) Children were involved. Three out of the Four males, the One female, and Two Children, making a total of Six (6), were confirmed dead, while the remaining One Male, being the Driver of the DYNA Truck, was said to have fled the crash scene before the arrival of FRSC operatives.
“The operatives mobilized and moved over to attend to the situation as the report of the incident was received. When they arrived at the crash scene, the bodies of the deceased were transported to a morgue, where they were deposited.
“Upon inquiry as to the cause of the crash, it was gathered that the causal factor of the crash was speed-related and brake failure, according to eyewitnesses. After the immediate evacuation of the victims, the road was cleared of the wreckage to enable the free flow of traffic.
“Reacting to the ugly incident, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps Akwa Ibom State, Assistant Corps Marshal Edward Odiete, Esq., warned road users, especially motorists, against Reckless Driving, Speeding, Wrong-way Drive, and Distracted Driving.
“He further stressed that the incident could have been avoided should the driver and rider have observed certain degrees of Safety measures and precautions and adhered strictly to traffic rules and regulations.
“He therefore reiterated the need for safety consciousness among drivers and riders, while advising passengers to ensure drivers are not ignored when recklessness or deviance to road safety is observed.
“Describing it as rather unfortunate, the Sector Commander, while commiserating with the families of the deceased, enjoined all road users to strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations to avoid the wanton loss of lives and properties due to road crashes.
“Speed Thrills but Kills; Drive Responsibly and Avoid Recklessness of all sorts,” the statement stressed.
