At least three people have been confirmed dead after a trailer carrying a 40-foot container fell on three tricycles at Mgbaemene Bus Stop, near Upper Iweka, along the Onitsha–Owerri Expressway in Anambra State on Thursday morning.
The tragic incident, which occurred around 7:20 a.m., sparked outrage among residents and motorists, who staged a protest by setting bonfires along the road to condemn its deplorable condition.
Eyewitnesses said the trailer, whose number plate was defaced, was negotiating a bad section of the road when it lost balance and toppled, crushing the tricycles beside it.
One of the witnesses said the trailer driver lost control due to the large potholes that had narrowed the motorable part of the road.
“The tricycles were using a small portion of the lane because of the bad spots. The trailer was also navigating the same portion when it suddenly tilted and fell on them.
Three people died instantly, while others were trapped under the container,” the witness said.
Another resident blamed the crash on government neglect, saying the road had become a death trap for motorists.
“I was watching from my balcony when the trailer got to the bad spot.
It slowed down and was trying to pass when it suddenly fell on the tricycles beside it,” she said. “People rushed to the scene to rescue the victims, but some were already lifeless.”
Security operatives and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) later arrived at the scene to control the crowd and begin rescue operations.
Personnel of the Rapid Response Squad were also seen cordoning off the area to restore traffic flow.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State FRSC Command, Margaret Onabe, said two adult males were confirmed dead, while two others were rescued unhurt.
She said, “The FRSC RS5.31A Upper Iweka Outpost responded to a fatal crash at about 8:20 a.m. The crash involved a tricycle and a trailer.
Four adult males were involved; two died, and two were rescued without injuries.
“The victims trapped under the trailer were taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead on arrival.
Our rescue team worked with the police to clear the scene and ensure traffic flow.”
Onabe said the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, expressed sadness over the incident and urged motorists to be cautious, particularly on bad sections of the highway.
She added that the FRSC used a towing van to lift the trailer off the tricycles and clear the wreckage, restoring movement along the busy corridor.
“The FRSC is deeply saddened by this tragedy and extends condolences to the victims’ families,” she said. “We call on road users to exercise greater care to prevent similar accidents.”