A container truck overturned on Thursday morning along Onitsha-Owerri road, Anambra state, crushing tricycles, leaving three people dead and trapping others beneath the container.
The incident, which occurred around 7:30 a.m. near the Mgbemena junction, caused a gridlock on the busy highway as angry residents and commercial tricycle operators staged a protest, blaming the accident on the deplorable state of the road.
Eyewitnesses said the truck, which was navigating a bad portion of the dual carriageway, lost balance as the driver attempted to maneuver through the uneven section.
A tricycle operator who narrowly escaped being crushed said he was right behind the truck when it happened .
“Because the road is bad, everyone now drives on one lane. The trailer was trying to move back to the other side when the container shifted and fell on the tricycles beside it,” he said.
One of the victims was identified as a former manager at Aris filling station, who recently switched to commercial tricycle operations after losing his job.
His wife and relatives, who later arrived at the scene, broke down in tears as efforts to recover the trapped victims continued.
The residents accused the Anambra state government of neglecting the Onitsha–Owerri road despite repeated appeals from commuters.
“We have been calling radio stations for months, complaining about this road.”
“Now people are dead because the government refused to fix it. It’s shameful that only after this kind of tragedy will they act,” a resient said.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Okpoko police division, and a private towing company are at the scene, making frantic efforts to remove the container and clear the wreckage.
Commercial tricycle operators also suspended operations in solidarity, demanding immediate rescue of those still trapped.
Vehicular movement has been completely grounded along the route, forcing many traders to trek to their destinations.
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