Tragedy struck along the Okigwe Road-Imo State University (IMSU) Roundabout area in the afternoon hours of yesterday that claimed three lives.
On arrival to the scene of the incident, our reporter gathered that a heavily loaded trailer with over 600 bags of cement while descending the hill between Ama-wire and IMSU roundabout lost control, knocking off three passers-by and finally crashed into the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) secretariat.
Eyewitness account who arrived the scene earlier, reported that three young men in their late twenties were crossing the road when they were suddenly crushed and trapped by the trailer.
Observers, in a mild protest, appealed to the state authority for a stiff penalty on trailer drivers who operate in the state during the peak hours of activities.
Speaking, the General Manager of Imo ENTRACO, Chief Emeka Osuji, narrated that he happened to visit his office after a long time due to the elections, trying to sort some documents when he heard a loud noise outside the ENTRACO Annex, only to find out that the office of his Special Assistant and prosecutor had been demolished by the trailer with the parts of the trailer inside the building.
He expressed thanks to God that none of his staff were involved in the accident and revealed that two lifeless bodies were trapped under the trailer while two others are currently receiving treatment in a nearby hospital with minor injuries. He further disclosed that the driver of the trailer have been apprehended by the Orji Police Command.
Chief Emeka Osuorji stated that he had earlier suggested for the installation of speed bumps from Ama-wire to IMSU roundabout when he was running the Imo State Transport Management Authority. In addition, he noted that the Imo State House of Assembly should pass the law preventing trailers from operating in the metropolis until 8pm, as he harped on the need for vehicles especially trailers to be certified road worthy before operation.
