Six persons lost their lives while others were injured in a fatal road accident which occurred Monday afternoon by Udu Bridge in Warri, Delta State.
The accident occurred when a Julius Berger truck, said to have lost control, rammed into a stationary trailer carrying electric poles.
Eyewitnesses said the faulty trailer was being repaired by a mechanic who was working beneath it when the crash happened.
Sources said the truck with brake failure, lost control while trying to avoid hitting a commercial tricycle (Keke).
“In the process, the truck rammed into the broken-down trailer. The impact was so severe that the trailer fell, killed the mechanic and crushed the other moving tricycles with passengers,” a source said.
He added that rescuers found it difficult to access the scene due to the gridlock, but confirmed that six bodies were recovered from the scene while the exact number of deaths was not officially established as at press time.
Due to the crash, the road became completely blocked, causing heavy traffic and leaving many stranded.
Students, workers and traders heading into Warri and nearby areas had to abandon their vehicles and continued by trekking to their various destinations.
However, security and safety personnel, including Divisional Officers from Ovwian/Aladja and Enerhen, as well as officers from the Nigeria Police and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), were deployed to oversee the situation.
“It was terrifying. The sound was like an explosion. Before we knew it, people were screaming and running,” an eyewitness said.
Chairman of Udu local government area, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode quickly left his office to personally lead rescue efforts at the crash scene.
Oyibode’s intervention helped to speed up removal of the damaged truck and trailer, although the road remained closed for hours as cleanup efforts continued.
The Chairman expressed deep sorrow over the accident and extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families over the loss of their loved ones.
He assured the community that efforts would be made to restore order, reopen the bridge for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, while assuring of enhanced safety of all road users in the future.
“Life is invaluable. I urge all motorists to keep their loved ones in mind and exercise utmost caution while driving. Such accidents can be prevented if we remain vigilant about safety,” Oyibode said.
