Abakaliki, Nigeria— Five people were killed and twelve others injured on Friday when a bus crashed on the Enugu-Abakaliki Federal Highway at Nkalagu, officials said.
The accident happened near the Nkalagu junction, a known black spot. The commercial bus was travelling from Enugu toward Abakaliki when it lost control. It hit a roadside embankment and overturned.
FRSC officers said five passengers died on the spot. Twelve others sustained fractures and lacerations. They were taken to hospitals in Abakaliki and Enugu for treatment.
“We received a distress call about a lone bus crash at Nkalagu,” an FRSC sector commander said. “Five persons died and twelve were injured. Preliminary findings point to speeding and tyre burst.”
Witnesses said the driver was trying to overtake a truck before the crash. Passengers screamed as the bus swerved. Local villagers were first on the scene and pulled victims from the wreck.
The highway was blocked for almost two hours. FRSC personnel cleared the wreckage and restored traffic flow. The corps said it has stepped up patrols on the route.
The Enugu-Abakaliki highway has seen repeated crashes this year. Poor road shoulders, speeding, and overloaded buses are blamed. Drivers often work long hours without rest.
The injured are in stable condition according to hospital sources. Bodies of the deceased were deposited in a morgue in Abakaliki. Families have been contacted.
FRSC said a full investigation is underway. Officials warned drivers to slow down during the ongoing road repairs.
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