Four persons killed, 10 seriously injured in multiple car crashes along Abakaliki-Enugu Highway (photos)

Four persons were killed and 10 others seriously injured in multiple car crashes which occurred along the Abakaliki-Enugu Federal Highway on Monday.

The first accident which occurred in the afternoon involved an articulated vehicle and a Nissan bus with 18 occupants: 16 males and 2 females while the second one occurred at night after a downpour.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Ebonyi Sector Commander, Mrs Stella Uchegbu, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday, said that the four persons died in the second accident which occurred at the Ukwuachi junction of the road at about 9 p.m.

“Two persons were rescued alive in this second accident which involved an Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EDDC) vehicle with number plate LND 448 BR. And a Peugeot 406 vehicle belonging to the Ebonyi House of Assembly with number plate EBHA 37.

“Investigations revealed that this accident was caused by speeding and loss of control as the road was slippery due to the downpour. Six persons were involved in this second accident as a cutter was used to cut the wreckage of the vehicles to retrieve the driver’s body trapped inside the vehicle.

“The driver of the Peugeot was apparently drunk because a bottle of beer was found beside him by the rescue team,’’ she said.

"No life was lost in this first accident but 10 persons were seriously injured, while eight persons were unhurt. This accident which occurred at the Ishieke junction of the road was caused by dangerous overtaking and loss of control,’’ Uchegbu added.

More photos below...