A tragic road accident on Tuesday morning claimed the life of a baby and left several others seriously injured at the Isiala Ngwa–Ntigha Junction along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State.
The accident involved an 18-seater commercial bus traveling from Ebonyi State to Aba. The ill-fated journey was abruptly cut short when the bus reportedly lost control, veered off the road, and crashed into a ditch.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific, with passengers screaming for help and blood staining the seats and surrounding area.
“It was a terrible sight. The baby was flung from the mother’s arms during the crash. People were crying, some unconscious. I still can’t believe what I saw,” said Chukwuma Ekene, a trader who was at a nearby mechanic shop when the accident occurred.
The baby, believed to be less than a year old, died on the spot from a severe head injury, while other passengers suffered fractures, deep cuts, and internal injuries.
Emergency services arrived minutes after a distress call was made by residents. The Abia State Emergency Management Agency (ABSEMA) confirmed their swift response.
“We were alerted by passersby and immediately deployed our team. Sadly, we confirmed the death of a baby upon arrival.
“However, our priority was to stabilize and evacuate the injured to nearby hospitals,” said Mrs. Ifunanya Kalu, the Director of Operations at ABSEMA.
She added that the injured passengers were taken to Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia and Christ the King Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care.
“Our thoughts are with the bereaved family. This is a painful loss,” Kalu added.
A member of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) told THE WHISTLER that preliminary investigations suggest the crash may have been caused by speeding and brake failure.
“We’re still investigating, but it appears the driver may have lost control due to mechanical issues. The road condition in that section is also a concern,” he said.
Distraught relatives and bystanders gathered at the scene and hospitals, many trying to contact loved ones. Unfortunately, several victims’ mobile phones were lost or damaged in the crash.
“We are asking members of the public to assist with identification. If your loved ones traveled from Ebonyi to Aba today and you haven’t heard from them, please contact nearby hospitals or police,” urged DSP Blessing Ogbonna, spokesperson for the Abia State Police Command.
The tragic incident has sparked fresh calls for improved road safety enforcement and better vehicle maintenance regulations.
“This could have been avoided. Commercial drivers must be made to undergo stricter inspections and adhere to speed limits. How many more lives must we lose?” lamented Emeka Nwafor, a local youth leader.
As investigations continue, authorities have promised to release an official statement on the circumstances surrounding the crash. The identity of the baby and injured passengers was still being verified at the time of filing this report.
