BY ESTHER OBIAZI/ DIVINE CHUKWURAH
A tragic accident near the Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba, Delta State capital left residents in shock after a woman was crushed to death by a Dangote truck, yesterday.
The incident, which occurred close to the Anwai River, reportedly happened when the truck driver, speeding along the busy route, attempted to avoid colliding with a commercial tricycle (Keke). In the ensuing panic, a female passenger inside the tricycle jumped out in fear and fell directly on the path of the oncoming truck, which ran over her. Eyewitnesses said the truck driver tried to swerve to avoid hitting the woman but lost control and rammed into a nearby roadside shop, causing extensive damage to property.
“It all happened so fast,” a witness recounted. “The driver was speeding, and when he tried to dodge the tricycle, the woman jumped out. Before anyone could react, she was already on the ground, and the truck ran over her.”
The scene quickly drew a large crowd, with passersby and students expressing anger over what they described as the growing recklessness of heavy-duty truck drivers in the area. A nearby Point-Of-Sale operator (POS), Miss Theresa Divine told reporters that trucks belonging to big-time companies often drive carelessly without regard for public safety.
“We see this almost every week. These drivers are too reckless. They don’t slow down even when passing through crowded areas,” she lamented.
“The state traffic authorities and law enforcement agencies should implement stricter regulations for heavy truck operations within the city”. She said
The victim’s identity had not been confirmed as of press time, while eyewitnesses said the driver fled the scene immediately after the crash. The tragic incident has reignited public outcry for urgent government intervention to improve safety on the busy Anwai–Asaba road and other accident-prone areas in the state.
