Awka, Anambra – Tragedy struck on Friday night as a female pedestrian lost her life in a hit-and-run accident along the Awka-Onitsha Expressway.
The incident, which occurred near Upper Iweke, Onitsha, has raised concerns about road safety and speeding on one of the state’s busiest highways.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra, the accident involved a Toyota Hiace commercial bus with no registration number.
The driver, who was reportedly speeding, fled the scene immediately after hitting the pedestrian.
Mr. Adeoye Irelewuyi, Commander of the FRSC in Anambra, addressed newsmen on Saturday in Awka, confirming the unfortunate incident.
“The driver, who was on speed, rammed into a female adult pedestrian and zoomed off,” he said. Eyewitnesses corroborated this account, indicating that the driver showed no intention of stopping to check on the victim.
FRSC’s prompt response saw their rescue team arrive swiftly at the scene. The victim, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, was rushed to Toronto Mortuary, where a doctor pronounced her dead upon arrival.
The loss has cast a pall over the community as residents and motorists alike grapple with the suddenness of the tragedy.
The FRSC Commander extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, emphasizing the irreplaceable loss they have suffered.
“We deeply sympathize with the family of the victim. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by speeding, especially during the rainy season,” Irelewuyi said.
He further appealed to motorists to adhere to specified speed limits, highlighting the increased risks associated with high-speed driving under poor weather conditions.
“The rainy season brings its own set of challenges, including slippery roads and reduced visibility. It is imperative that drivers exercise extra caution and maintain safe speeds to prevent such tragic occurrences,” he added.
This incident adds to the growing list of road accidents in the state, many of which are attributed to reckless driving and disregard for traffic regulations.
The FRSC has been actively involved in campaigns to promote road safety, but the recurrence of such accidents suggests that more stringent measures may be necessary.
Local authorities and road safety advocates have also called for enhanced enforcement of traffic laws and better infrastructure to safeguard pedestrians.
The Awka-Onitsha Expressway, a critical artery in the state’s transport network, is often bustling with commercial vehicles and pedestrians, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and road discipline.
As the investigation into the hit-and-run continues, the FRSC has urged anyone with information about the driver or the vehicle involved to come forward.
The anonymity of the driver and the lack of a registration number have so far impeded efforts to track down the perpetrator.
The tragic loss of life serves as a somber reminder of the need for collective responsibility in ensuring road safety.
As communities mourn the loss and seek justice, the emphasis remains on preventing future tragedies through awareness, enforcement, and a commitment to safer driving practices.
In the wake of this incident, the FRSC reiterates its dedication to protecting lives on the road and urges all motorists to adhere to safety guidelines to avoid further loss of life.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
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