Baby and 13 others survive after being involved in auto crashes in Anambra

Fourteen people on Sunday night escaped death in three separate motor accidents in Anambra state.

One of the accidents occurred at Umuokpu, along Onitsha-Awka Old Road, involving two vehicles. The others, which were lone accidents, occurred near a Police check point at Okija, along Ihiala-Owerri expressway and Uga Roundabout, Aguata Local Government Area of the State respectively, The Nation reports.

A baby and four others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crashes but no life was lost.

The Sector Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Pascal Anigbo confirmed the accidents and blamed them on speed limit violation, loss of control and tyre burst.

He said: “A serious Road Traffic Crash (RTC) involving an Ash coloured Toyota Camry (Station Wagon) with registration number JJT608TQ and another Ash coloured Toyota RAV4 with registration number AJL577TS was reported to have occurred at Umuokpu, along Onitsha-Awka old road.

“A total of Four people (3 male adults and 1 female adult) were involved in the crash, which was reportedly caused by Speed Limit Violation. Two people (1 male and 1 female) sustained some degree of injuries. The injured victims were rushed to Nworah Hospital.

“A lone Road Traffic Crash involving an Ash coloured Toyota Previa with registration number UYY573YE, was reported to have occurred near a Police check point at Okija, along Ihiala-Owerri expressway.

“The crash was caused by Tyre Burst and Loss of Control. Ten people (5male adults, 3 female adults and 2 male children) were involved in the crash. One child sustained some degree of injury. No death recorded. The injured child was rushed to Obijackson Hospital, Okija for immediate medical attention by FRSC rescue team from Ihiala Unit Command. Effort is ongoing to clear the obstruction caused.

“Another lone Road Traffic Crash (RTC) caused by Over-Speeding was reported to have occurred around 8pm at Uga Roundabout, Aguata LGA, Anambra State.

“The vehicle involved, a black coloured Hyundai Jeep with registration number AA234WER had Two occupants (1male adult and 1 female adult). Both sustained some degree of injuries, they were rushed to an unknown hospital by good Samaritan before the arrival of the FRSC rescue team from Igboukwu Unit Command.

“The Sector Commander FRSC, Andrew Kumapayi reiterates the importance of keeping to stipulated Speed Limits and admonishes drivers to drive with common sense speed limits, especially within built-up areas.

“Motorists should plan their journeys ahead, to avoid unnecessary rush that could lead to preventable Road mishaps.

“Tyres should also be checked regularly and gauged when necessary. Most Road Traffic Crashes are avoidable. He wishes the injured child quick recovery.”

While restating that road traffic crashes were avoidable, FRSC boss advised vehicle owners and drivers to always ensure they buy and use only quality tyres on their vehicles.