By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Tragedy struck again in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Thursday morning, when a trailer fell on a fully-loaded tricycle, killing two persons on the spot.
The fatal crash, which occurred around 8:20 a.m. along the ever-busy Upper Iweka axis of the Owerri–Onitsha Road, involved a tricycle (Keke) and a trailer, both of which reportedly have no registration numbers.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts and viral videos from the scene, the trailer was navigating the deplorable section of the road when it suddenly crashed and heavily landed on the tricycle conveying four passengers.
Reports have it that two of the occupants were trapped and crushed to death instantly, while the other two miraculously escaped unhurt.
One of the eyewitnesses alleged that a woman and her little son were among those inside the tricycle when the incident occurred.
In a voiceover accompanying one of the videos from the scene, another witness described the accident as “one too many” along the Upper Iweka corridor, blaming the recurring crashes on the bad condition of the road and lack of enforcement against reckless trailer movements. He lamented that such unfortunate crash has become a recurring incident in the area, recounting how many trailers that have fallen there within a space of few months.
He also showcased the deplorable situation of the every-busy road, despite several difficulties faced by drivers and other road users in the area, and despite several calls for government intervention in the road. Also shown in the video was another trailer attempting to transverse the same area in a very dangerous and risky way, given the situation of the road and how congested the area is.
Confirming the incident in a report made available to this reporter, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, described the crash as tragic and avoidable, further lamenting the loss of lives.
She further noted that the FRSC rescue team, upon receiving the distress call, rushed to the scene and collaborated with the Police to secure the area and manage traffic flow.
“The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) RS5.31A Upper Iweka Outpost responded to a fatal crash on the Owerri–Onitsha Road at approximately 8:20 a.m. today. The crash involved a Keke (tricycle) and a trailer, resulting in the deaths of two adult males. Four adult males were involved in the crash, with two others rescued uninjured.
“The victims trapped under the trailer were taken to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival. The FRSC tow van was deployed to lift the trailer off the tricycle, allowing for the clearance of the obstruction and restoration of free traffic movement,” she stated.
The FRSC boss used the opportunity to caution motorists, tricycle operators, and heavy-duty vehicle drivers to exercise caution, and strictly adhere to safety regulations and road discipline to prevent further loss of lives.
These notwithstanding, residents and motorists have continued to reiterate their calls for urgent rehabilitation of the Owerri–Onitsha Road, describing it as a death trap that continues to claim innocent lives almost on weekly basis.
Watch the videos below:
