No fewer than three people were feared dead on Thursday when a trailer carrying a 40-foot container fell and crushed three tricycles at Mgbaemene Bus Stop, near Upper Iweka, along the Onitsha–Owerri Expressway in Anambra State.
Witnesses said the trailer, whose number plate had been defaced, was navigating through bad portions of the road when it tipped over, landing on the tricycles beside it. The crash reportedly left several others trapped beneath the container.
The incident triggered anger among residents and motorists, who set up a bonfire to protest the government’s failure to repair the dilapidated road.
An eyewitness said the accident occurred around 7:20 a.m. after the driver lost control while maneuvering through potholes. “Before we knew it, the trailer and its container fell on the tricycles. Three people have been confirmed dead, while others are still trapped,” the witness said.
Another resident, who witnessed the crash from her balcony, also blamed the poor state of the road. “The trailer slowed down at the bad portion but still fell on the tricycles riding beside it. Passers-by and drivers later helped with rescue efforts,” she said.
Security operatives, including personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), struggled to control the angry crowd at the scene. Officials from the Rapid Response Squad later cordoned off the area as rescue operations continued.
Confirming the incident, FRSC spokesperson Margaret Onabe said two adult males were confirmed dead after being taken to the hospital. “Four male adults were involved — two died, and two were rescued uninjured,” she said.
According to her, both the trailer and tricycle lacked registration numbers. She added that the crash was caused by the “poorly maintained section of the road,” which led to the trailer’s container falling on the tricycles.
FRSC’s towing van was later used to remove the container, clearing the obstruction and restoring traffic flow. The Anambra Sector Commander, Bridget Asekhauno, expressed sadness over the tragedy and urged road users to exercise caution.
“The FRSC is deeply saddened by this loss. We urge all drivers to adhere to safety rules to avoid such needless deaths,” Asekhauno said.
