Truck crushes two students of A’Ibom polytechnic to death

Ini Billie, Uyo

Two students of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua have been crushed to death.

It was gathered that the incident happened on Monday, a few metres away from the school’s premises, near the Junction of Ikot Inyang village, along Aba Road in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

It was learnt that the driver of the truck lost control and rammed into the girls killing them instantly on the spot.

Our correspondent learnt that the deceased, Abasifreke Okon, and Irene Edwin from Ikot Abasi and Ibesikpo Asutan LGAs respectively, were preparing for their practical examinations which was to hold on Wednesday.

The deceased, ND 2 Science Laboratory Technology students, described as “Besties and inseparable twins”, were supposed to have completed their academic programme after their exams on Wednesday.

Following the incident, it was learnt that the management of the polytechnic postponed the examinations as many classmates of the deceased were said to have wept uncontrollably as the remains of the victims were evacuated to the mortuary.

Confirming the incident, Akwa Ibom State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Matthew Olonisaye, attributed the loss of lives to reckless driving and non-adherence to the rules guiding road usage.

While commiserating with the families of the deceased, Olonisaye urged drivers to make the maintenance of their vehicles a top priority, saying accidents are caused and don’t just happen.

“It actually happened, it’s because of loss of control by the driver. We advise drivers to abide with the rules that guide the usage of the road, they should not be in a hurry.

“Drivers should also make vehicle maintenance a priority for any life lost cannot come back. Accident does not just happen, it is caused. “I commiserate with the families of those who lost their lives,” he stated.