Tragedy struck along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in Umuahia on Wednesday, May 15, 2025, when a speeding Toyota Highlander rammed into a stationary Mack truck, instantly killing a father and his teenage daughter. The fatal crash occurred at Amibo Ubakala, plunging the community into mourning.
The SUV, which eyewitnesses say was coming from the Enugu axis of the road, was reportedly filled with members of the same family. According to observers at the scene, the vehicle was traveling at high speed before crashing under the long truck, which was packed and loaded with iron scrap. The impact claimed the lives of the driver and his daughter on the spot.
Other family members sustained severe injuries and were promptly rescued by officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), who arrived swiftly. The injured were transported to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia for urgent treatment, while the deceased were taken to the mortuary.
The Sector Commander of FRSC in Abia State, Mrs. Ngozi Ezeoma, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Thursday. She noted that the cause of the crash was likely speeding or fatigue, a tragic reminder of the need for caution on Nigeria’s highways.
The truck driver, identified as Gideon Effiong Udofia, has been taken into police custody for questioning as investigations continue. Eyewitnesses say the truck was properly parked, raising questions about why the SUV driver did not notice the vehicle ahead in time.
This incident adds to the growing toll of fatal road crashes in the region, underscoring persistent concerns about speeding, driver fatigue, and highway safety. The FRSC has since called for stricter compliance with traffic regulations to prevent further loss of life.
Community members around Amibo Ubakala expressed shock and grief over the loss, with many calling for better enforcement of parking laws and clearer signage for parked trucks to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
