Five Killed, Including Infant, as Bus Plunges Into River on Enugu–Abakaliki Highway
At least five people, including a seven-month-old baby, have lost their lives in a tragic road accident along the Enugu–Abakaliki Highway near Nkalagu Junction in Ebonyi State.
The crash, which occurred on Friday, involved a Toyota Hummer bus carrying commercial traders returning to the South-East from northern Nigeria.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident happened when the driver attempted to avoid a head-on collision after another vehicle reportedly carried out a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre on the single-lane section of the road.
In trying to prevent the collision, the driver lost control of the bus, which veered off a bridge and plunged into a river below.
Rescue officials and witnesses said the severity of the accident may have been worsened by the poor condition of the bridge. They alleged that safety barriers on the bridge had been vandalised by scavengers, leaving the structure exposed and increasing the risk of vehicles falling into the river.
An eyewitness said the tragedy might have been avoided if the bridge’s iron safety rails had remained intact.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the state of infrastructure along the busy highway.
Residents and road users blamed the crash on a long-standing traffic diversion caused by a damaged section of the road that has been under reconstruction for more than a year.
Due to the collapse of part of the dual carriageway, traffic has reportedly been restricted to a single lane using permanent barriers, creating congestion and increasing the risk of accidents.
The affected section of the road was part of a major highway project completed in 2023. However, its subsequent collapse has continued to attract criticism from motorists and residents who use the route regularly.
Authorities are yet to release the identities of all the victims as investigations into the cause of the accident continue. Rescue efforts were also ongoing to assist survivors and recover affected passengers from the scene.
