By Aaior K. Comfort
AWKA — A lawyer identified as Okechukwu was killed in a tragic road accident on Sunday night along the Awka-Enugu Expressway in Anambra State. The incident occurred shortly after he had deposited his late mother’s remains at a mortuary.
Sources indicate that Okechukwu’s vehicle collided with an abandoned articulated truck on the highway, causing his car to overturn and tumble into a nearby drainage. A relative, who spoke anonymously, explained, “The incident happened in the Awka area. He thought the truck was moving, but when he realized it was stationary, it was too late to avoid the collision.”
Okechukwu had recently welcomed a newborn with his wife, whom he married in February. His sudden death has left his family and loved ones in shock. “He had just put his mother in the morgue and was preparing for her funeral. Now, he’s joined her there. This tragedy underscores life’s unpredictability and the need to cherish every moment,” the relative lamented.
Residents have criticized traffic authorities, particularly the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), for allowing the abandoned truck to remain on the road, posing a risk to drivers.
In response, FRSC Commander Joyce Alexander expressed condolences to the victim’s family and acknowledged the tragic circumstances surrounding the accident. She explained that the truck could not be towed due to its heavy load and had instructed personnel to cordon off the area with reflective tape to warn approaching traffic.
“I am aware that he ran into a broken-down truck. Unfortunately, this occurred at night, and our rescue team could not determine the precise circumstances from eyewitness accounts. It appears that excessive speed may have contributed to the loss of control, as indicated by the skid marks at the scene,” Alexander stated.
She reiterated the importance of community involvement in reporting accidents and obstructions, emphasizing the FRSC’s reliance on public assistance and their emergency contact number, 122.
The victim’s remains have been taken to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital morgue in Awka.