By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) has identified over-speeding and driver’s unfamiliarity with the Agulu Lake Hill terrain as the primary causes of the fatal road traffic crash that claimed multiple lives along the busy corridor on Friday evening.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ARTMA, Engr. Emeka Konti-Okonkwo (Konti Komplete), disclosed this in an official report issued on Saturday, February 28, 2026, following a detailed on-site inspection and joint safety engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders at the scene of the crash that claimed four lives and left nine others injured.
According to the report, ARTMA received a distress alert at about 6:25 p.m. on Friday regarding the tragic accident which occurred at Agulu Lake Hill in Agulu, involving a fully loaded truck and two commercial buses.
Preliminary investigations by the agency revealed that the crash was triggered when the truck driver, who was reportedly unfamiliar with the hilly terrain, descended the slope at high speed and subsequently lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a devastating collision.
ARTMA noted that the incident occurred along the Amawbia-Uga road corridor, which was originally a single carriageway but was later expanded into a dual carriageway under the administration of Charles Chukwuma Soludo to improve connectivity and traffic flow across the axis.
In response to the tragic development and in a proactive effort to prevent recurrence, ARTMA carried out a joint inspection of the accident scene alongside officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), led by the Anambra State Sector Commander, Bridget Asekhauno.
The safety assessment visit also had in attendance community leaders from the area, as well as the member representing Anaocha Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Nkechi Ogbuefi, who joined in deliberating on sustainable and long-term safety interventions for the accident-prone location.
Following extensive deliberations and technical evaluation of the terrain and traffic conditions, ARTMA outlined a number of strategic measures aimed at strengthening safety and preventing future tragedies on the route.
Top among the recommendations was the installation of barricades to restrict heavy-duty trucks from using the Agulu Lake Hill axis, given the risks associated with large vehicles navigating the steep descent.
The agency also recommended the erection of clear and highly visible road signs to properly warn and guide motorists, particularly those unfamiliar with the terrain, as well as the installation of rumble strips and speed calming devices such as speed bumps to compel drivers to reduce speed while approaching and descending the hill.
ARTMA emphasized that the combination of engineering controls, improved signage, and enforcement mechanisms would significantly enhance safety conditions and reduce the likelihood of similar crashes in the future.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring safer roads and free traffic flow across Anambra State, Engr. Okonkwo stressed the need for motorists to exercise caution, especially when driving on hilly and unfamiliar routes.
He further urged drivers, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles and commercial transport services, to strictly obey speed regulations and remain vigilant at all times, noting that road safety is a shared responsibility between government agencies and road users.
The ARTMA Boss assured that the agency would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including the FRSC, community leaders, and policymakers, to implement the recommended measures and strengthen traffic safety architecture across the state.
Recall that a total of 19 persons, comprising six adult males, ten adult females, and three male children were reportedly involved in the month-end crash. Out of this number, nine persons (comprising two adult males, four adult females, and three male children), sustained varying degrees of injuries, while four adult females lost their lives in the unfortunate incident; even as all the drivers of the vehicles involved in the crash reportedly fled.
Watch the video from the scene of the crash below:
