Rivers residents in shock as truck accident claims life

A tragic accident on Monday, January 27, 2025, near the Oil Mill area of Port Harcourt has left residents in shock and mourning.

The incident, which occurred along the Port Harcourt-Aba expressway, involved a Mack truck with registration number XP633JJ and an unregistered TVS keke, resulting in the death of a female pedestrian.

Graphic footage from the scene, which has since gone viral, shows the devastating aftermath of the crash.

Eyewitnesses reported that the victim, a well-dressed woman, was crushed by the truck, which had reportedly lost control. The impact was so severe that the victim’s body was decapitated and torn in half at the pelvic region.

The Rivers State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident in a statement released yesterday.

Assistant Route Commander Martins Chime, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, disclosed that five individuals were involved in the crash: three men and two women.

He added that by the time FRSC operatives arrived at the scene, the Elimgbu Police Division had already evacuated the victim’s remains to a mortuary in Port Harcourt.

An eyewitness attributed the cause of the accident to brake failure, a claim that is still under investigation.

FRSC officials ensured the scene was cleared of debris and obstructions to restore normal traffic flow.

Corps Commander Inyang Umoh, the State FRSC boss, described the incident as “unfortunate” and pointed to excessive speed as a contributing factor. He urged truck drivers to exercise greater caution, especially when navigating densely populated areas such as markets and junctions.

Umoh emphasised the importance of adhering to “commonsense speed limits” to prevent similar tragedies.

In response to the accident, Umoh highlighted the FRSC’s ongoing efforts to enhance road safety, including public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to reducing road accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users.