A tragic accident occurred early Thursday morning at Mgbaemene Bus Stop near Upper Iweka, along the Onitsha–Owerri Expressway, claiming the lives of at least three individuals after a trailer carrying a 40-foot container toppled and crushed a tricycle.
According to eyewitness accounts, the trailer, whose registration number had been defaced, lost control while navigating a severely damaged section of the road. The container detached and landed on the tricycle, which was carrying two passengers at the time of impact.
The incident happened around 6:48 a.m., and emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene. Rescue efforts were hampered by the size of the container and the poor condition of the road, which has long been plagued by large potholes and inadequate drainage. Locals reported that tricycle operators often use the narrow remaining portions of the lane to avoid the worst parts of the road, increasing the risk of such collisions.
One eyewitness stated, “The trailer was trying to maneuver through the potholes when it lost balance. The container fell directly onto the tricycle beside it. It was horrifying.”
Authorities have yet to release the identities of the victims, pending notification of their families. The Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ASTMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident and are working to clear the wreckage to restore traffic flow.
This incident has reignited calls for urgent rehabilitation of the Onitsha–Owerri Expressway, with community leaders and road safety advocates urging the federal and state governments to prioritize infrastructure upgrades to prevent further loss of life.