Three persons were killed and others seriously injured in an accident that occurred Wednesday at about 6.45am around Urua Ekpa Junction in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Among the dead are two women.
Eyewitnesses told newsmen that the accident occurred after a Mack Truck with a Rivers State registration number, “BNY 137 XA” skidded off the road while to dodge a Keke driver who was driving against traffic.
The truck is said to have rammed into SG filling Station, destroying three Keke vehicles beyond repairs.
It was gathered that the truck killed three persons instantly while three others sustained serious injuries and have been taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.
But the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has put the causality figure at two, including a man and woman and two injured.
“I was just standing directly opposite the SG filling station when the truck came from Itam market probably on it way to Calabar. There was a Keke driver trying to cross the road so while trying to avoid the Keke, the truck diverted and ran into the filling station.
“The three people who were standing there and three Keke vehicles were damaged beyond repair” the source said.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Sunday Oghenekaro, who confirmed the incident blamed the crash on the recklessness of the Keke rider and called for serious orientation for them.
He said” from the information I have received from my field Officer, two people including a man and a woman died and two were injured. The incident happened due to recklessness of the Keke rider who was trying to cross the road. The truck was trying to avoid him before it finally crashed.
“This is the issue we have been emphasising to them that there is need for them to be enlightened and licensed before getting into the road. But because of the love for money some of them jump in to the road and the result is what we are seeing today.
On whether his office has organised any orientation for them, the Sector Commander said “they have not been availing themselves of the opportunity” adding as a body they were supposed to be properly licensed before operation.