By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Port Harcourt
Three members of a family were killed in a fatal road accident in the early hours of New Year’s Day in Rivers State while returning from crossover prayers.
The accident occurred on Thursday, January 1, along the Obiri-Ikwerre flyover in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, plunging the family into mourning at the start of the new year.
Residents of the area told our correspondent that the victims were returning to their home in Rumuokini after attending crossover night prayers at a mosque when the tragedy happened.
According to eyewitness accounts, the private vehicle conveying the family rammed into a stationary sewage truck parked on the flyover.
Those who died were identified as the father of the family, Mr. Ahmed; his five-year-old daughter, Sheila; and his brother, Azeez.
It was gathered that the first son of the family, a fashion designer who was driving the vehicle, sustained life-threatening injuries along with other occupants of the car.
The injured victims were said to have been rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said two of the victims died on the spot.
“Other occupants of the vehicle were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment,” she said.
Iringe-Koko added that police investigation had commenced to ascertain the cause of the accident.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased has blamed the incident on the alleged indiscriminate parking of the sewage truck on the flyover.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Engr. Amoo Muideen Ajiboye said the truck was parked without warning signs, adding, “We call on the government and the waste management agency to investigate this matter and ensure contractors comply with safety standards, as such negligence has claimed many lives in Rivers State.”