A male pedestrian has lost his life after being struck by a tipper truck driven against the flow of traffic along the Onitsha-Awka Expressway in Anambra State.
The fatal accident occurred on July 25 when the driver, who was reportedly driving one-way, knocked down the victim before fleeing the scene with the vehicle.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Managing Director of the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), Emeka Konti-Okonkwo, said the suspect’s vehicle was later tracked and intercepted by agency operatives at Upper Iweka in Onitsha.
According to him, the vehicle has been impounded, while the case has been handed over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution.
Konti-Okonkwo described the incident as a tragic consequence of reckless driving, saying the victim lost his life because the driver chose to violate traffic regulations instead of making a lawful turn.
He noted that the accident occurred just days after ARTMA launched its “See It, Video It and Earn” initiative, which encourages members of the public to report traffic violations.
Inside Anambra state:
Police Rescue Unidentified Man Found Unconscious in Anambra
The ARTMA boss identified one-way driving as one of the leading causes of preventable road crashes in the state, despite ongoing public awareness campaigns and enforcement efforts.
He also lamented the intimidation and pressure often faced by traffic enforcement officers from influential individuals seeking leniency for offenders.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to road safety, Konti-Okonkwo said ARTMA would intensify its campaign against one-way driving to curb the menace and prevent further loss of lives on Anambra roads.
Police have commenced an investigation into the incident as authorities continue efforts to ensure the driver is held accountable.
About The Author
