10 feared dead in Enugu multiple car crash

About 10 persons were feared dead after a multiple car crash at Abakpa Nike, a surburb of Enugu metropolis on Saturday.

It was gathered that most of the victims were street traders selling at their makeshift shops by the roadside.

Two saloon cars, a bus and two tricycles, also known as Keke NAPEP, were involved in the accident at Isieke Street in Abakpa, which has a large concentration of street traders.

SUNDAY PUNCH learnt that the accident occurred around 1:30 pm, when buying and selling was at its peak along the street.

Eye witnesses disclosed that the incident occurred when a black coloured Mercedes Benz car with registration number LR917AAA suddenly lost control, overran some street traders and their wares, and collided with two oncoming Keke NAPEPs and a Mazda 626 car with registration number DJ 235AKJ; before ramming into a bus coming from the other end of the street.

Some residents of the area, other traders as well as passers-by reportedly embarked on a rescue operation as victims lay on the street in a pool of blood.

Apart from those that lost their lives, our correspondent gathered that those rescued from the wreckage of the tricycles were in critical condition.

Eye witnesses told SUNDAY PUNCH that the drivers of the Mercedes Benz, Mazda and bus escaped unhurt.

A street trader who witnessed the rescue operation said about 10 persons lost their lives, while many others sustained injuries

The victims were said to have been rushed to undisclosed hospitals for medical attention.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the incident, however said the police was yet to determine the casualty figure.