No fewer than three persons have been confirmed dead following a road accident at Ette Junction in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday.
The crash, it was gathered, involved a Mack truck bearing registration number XS 761 LSD and a commercial tricycle.
Preliminary findings indicated that the incident occurred when the truck, while attempting to overtake a stationary vehicle belonging to Sterling Petrochemical and Fertiliser Limited, rammed into the tricycle, killing three occupants instantly.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Road Safety Corps had yet to issue an official statement on the accident.
Reacting to the development, Sterling Petrochemical and Fertiliser Limited expressed grief over the loss of lives and sympathised with the families of the victims.
In a statement released by the Head of its Media Unit, Aniekeme Finbarr, the company confirmed the occurrence of the accident along its operational corridor.
The statement noted that the truck collided with the tricycle while overtaking one of the company’s parked vehicles, resulting in the fatalities.
The firm described the incident as unfortunate and extended condolences to the bereaved families, assuring them of its support during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its commitment to road safety, stating that measures had been intensified across its operational routes to minimise risks and ensure safer movement within host communities.
According to the company, security agencies, including the police and the Joint Task Force, were at the scene to manage traffic and commence investigations into the cause of the crash.
The firm added that in the past year, it had implemented several safety initiatives such as the distribution of reflectors to motorcyclists, public sensitisation campaigns, stricter speed monitoring for its drivers, and the deployment of trained personnel at accident-prone areas, particularly during periods of low visibility.
