Truck Driver Dies in Fatal Head-On Crash on Calabar–Itu highway

A tragic road traffic crash has claimed the life of a truck driver following a violent head-on collision along the Calabar–Itu Federal Highway early Monday morning.

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According to reports monitored by RoadKing.ng, the accident occurred during the early hours of March 2, 2026, on the notoriously deteriorated highway linking Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the collision involved two heavy-duty vehicles travelling in opposite directions before crashing head-on, leading to catastrophic damage to the trucks.

The impact reportedly trapped one of the drivers inside the mangled cabin. Emergency responders later confirmed that the driver died at the scene due to severe injuries sustained during the crash.

Local commuters described the incident as another reminder of the dangerous condition of the Calabar–Itu road corridor, a federal highway long criticized for potholes, failed pavement sections, and poor visibility.

Motorists using the route have repeatedly warned authorities that worsening road infrastructure continues to increase crash risks, especially for articulated vehicles and long-distance freight operators.

Traffic movement was temporarily disrupted as rescue teams cleared debris from the roadway to restore vehicular flow.

Authorities are yet to release the identity of the deceased driver as investigations continue into the immediate cause of the collision.

Preliminary observations suggest possible contributing factors including:

• Poor road surface condition
• Reduced manoeuvring space
• Speed miscalculation during approach
• Limited visibility along damaged sections

Road safety experts continue to classify the Calabar–Itu Highway among Nigeria’s high-risk transport corridors requiring urgent rehabilitation.