By CHARLES IWUOHA

Tragedy struck on Wednesday at Nwanwu Junction, Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as a concrete mixer truck allegedly suffered brake failure and rammed into roadside shops, killing three persons and leaving four others critically injured.

According to an eyewitness, Miss Blessing Nkwegu, the truck, belonging to a construction company, was descending Offia Oku Amachi Road from Nwezenyi when it lost control while attempting to avoid colliding with a motorcycle.

In the process, it veered off the road, crushing shops and passersby.

Shops belonging to DJ Ogobest and two food vendors were completely destroyed, while nearby businesses and properties sustained varying degrees of damage.

Speaking on the incident, the Executive Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Hon. Ebere Nwogba, expressed deep sympathy, describing the tragedy as heartbreaking and a huge loss to the community.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the quick recovery of those injured.

“This is a sad day for the people of Amachi and the entire Abakaliki LGA. We mourn with the families who lost their loved ones and assure them that every possible step will be taken to prevent such a tragedy from happening again,” Nwogba stated.

The Chairman further urged residents to remain calm, assuring that law enforcement agencies were already investigating the cause of the accident.

He also appealed to motorists and road users to exercise caution, obey traffic rules, and avoid speeding especially in densely populated areas.

The remains of the three deceased victims were confirmed to have been deposited in a morgue, while those injured are receiving medical treatment.