Tragedy struck at the Mgbaemene Bus Stop near Upper Iweka on the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway when a trailer hauling a 40-foot container toppled and crushed three tricycles, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals and injuries to several others.
The accident occurred around 7:20 a.m. on Thursday, October 16.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the trailer driver was attempting to maneuver through a severely damaged stretch of road riddled with large potholes. Unfortunately, he lost control, causing the container to fall and trap occupants of the tricycles that were also navigating the hazardous section.
Immediate rescue efforts were launched by nearby drivers, pedestrians, and residents, who managed to extract some victims, though several remained trapped beneath the heavy vehicle.
Outraged by the incident, local residents set a bonfire in protest against the government’s failure to repair the dangerously deteriorated road.
Security personnel, including officers from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), arrived at the scene and faced challenges in managing the agitated crowd.
Margaret Onabe, the spokesperson for the Anambra State FRSC, confirmed the crash and reported that the victims trapped under the trailer were rushed to the hospital but were declared dead upon arrival.
She further detailed that two adult males lost their lives, with a total of four adult males involved in the collision. Two others were rescued without injuries.
Onabe stated, “At approximately 8:20 a.m. today, the FRSC RS5.31A Upper Iweka Outpost responded to a fatal collision on the Owerri-Onitsha Road involving a trailer and a tricycle. Sadly, two adult males died, while two others escaped unharmed.”
“Following the distress call, our rescue team promptly arrived and coordinated with police officers to secure the area and facilitate traffic movement. The victims trapped beneath the trailer were transported to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.”
“The tricycle involved was red and unregistered, and the trailer also lacked any registration or identifying marks.”
“Eyewitnesses attributed the cause of the accident to the poor condition of the road, which led to the trailer’s container toppling onto the tricycles.”
Onabe added that the FRSC used a towing vehicle to lift the trailer off the tricycles, clearing the obstruction and restoring traffic flow.
She also conveyed the sorrow of the FRSC Sector Commander for Anambra State, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, over the loss of lives in this unfortunate event.
“The FRSC mourns the victims of this tragic accident and urges all motorists to drive cautiously and obey traffic regulations to avoid similar disasters. Our team responded swiftly and is committed to implementing measures to prevent future incidents.”
“We also commend the police for their quick response and collaboration,” she concluded.
Watch the video footage from the scene below.
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