CALABAR, Nigeria — A truck driver was tragically killed late on Thursday, May 4, 2023, when a tree fell on him as he slept in his vehicle along the Murtala Mohammed Highway in Calabar, Cross River State.
The incident occurred around 11:40 pm, and the driver was awaiting his turn for clearance after loading the truck.
The truck’s conductor, who witnessed the event, recounted the harrowing moments to Channels Television: “I heard the thud of the fallen tree, but before I could wake the driver, he had already died.” The conductor called on the government to take action to protect the lives of truck drivers and others by removing old trees throughout the state.
Officials from the Ministry of Environment responded to the incident, stating that the state government is actively working to bring down all old trees across the state to prevent similar tragedies.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our citizens, and we will continue to remove old trees, especially those posing a threat to public safety,” an official from the Ministry of Environment said. “Our hearts go out to the family of the driver during this difficult time.”
As the government ramps up efforts to address hazardous trees, residents and travelers are urged to remain vigilant and report any trees they believe could pose a danger to public safety.
