RismadarVoice Reporters, April 17, 2026
A truck driver has lost his life in a tragic multi-vehicle accident along the busy Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road, Akwa Ibom State, in an incident that has renewed concerns over road safety in the area.
The crash occurred at about 11:00 a.m. on Thursday near Ikot Inyang Junction, close to the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) office in Ikot Ekpene. The accident caused panic among residents and commuters who witnessed the situation.
Eyewitnesses said the incident began when a moving tipper truck suffered a sudden tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle reportedly swerved off its lane, rammed into a drink distribution truck before colliding with a white Toyota Hilux. The force of the impact pushed the truck further into nearby shops, leaving a trail of destruction.
In the chaos that followed, the driver of the tipper truck was said to have been thrown from the vehicle while attempting to escape. The truck then overturned, then crushed him, leading to his instant death.
Passengers in the Toyota Hilux sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly rescued by bystanders. They were taken to the General Hospital in Ikot Ekpene, where they are currently receiving treatment.
The body of the deceased driver has since been evacuated, deposited in a nearby mortuary.
Local sources indicated that the victim is believed to be an indigene of a host community around the polytechnic in the area, a development that has heightened grief among residents.
The accident has once again drawn attention to the safety challenges on the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road, a major route known for frequent crashes. Residents and road users have called on the Federal Government to implement urgent safety measures, including the installation of speed control mechanisms, to reduce accidents, then save lives.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities have yet to issue an official statement, while investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
