Barely 24 hours after a devastating multiple vehicle crash, the Nyanya-Mararaba Road in Abuja witnessed yet another fatal accident on Monday evening, leaving several people feared dead and many others injured.
The tragic incident occurred around Karu Bridge and involved a trailer and a vehicle transporting sachet water, causing a major traffic gridlock on the ever-busy road. Emergency responders were quickly deployed to the scene to rescue victims and clear the wreckage.
This fresh tragedy followed a deadly accident that occurred just the previous day, Sunday evening, involving seven vehicles. Former Chairman of the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Emmanuel Ogbeche, had earlier shared details of the Sunday crash via his Facebook page.
“Often than not, we underestimate our going out and coming in. Just about an hour ago, some people met their end in-bound Karu Site. A terrible accident involving about seven cars, some beyond repairs, in a crash with a low-bed or caterpillar,” Ogbeche posted.
While official figures on casualties are yet to be confirmed as of press time, eyewitnesses described the Monday accident as “gruesome,” with bodies reportedly seen on the road before rescue teams arrived.
Residents and road users are expressing growing concerns about the increasing number of deadly accidents around the Karu Bridge area. It was recalled that only last month, the same route witnessed multiple crashes that claimed lives.
A commuter, Musa Ibrahim, who was at the scene shortly after the crash, lamented: “This road has become a death trap. Government needs to act fast. Either it’s speed breakers, more traffic control officers, or restricting trailers during peak hours.”
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the Monday evening crash. However, pressure is mounting on the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Road Safety Corps to step up preventive measures.