TWO INJURED AS TRAILER PLUNGES FROM ANAMBRA BRIDGE, RAMS INTO VEHICLES
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By: Muftau Fatimo
Six people narrowly escaped death after a trailer transporting a 40-foot container plunged off the New Parts, Nkpor Bridge along the Onitsha–Awka Expressway in Anambra State, crashing into four other vehicles.
It was gathered that six individuals were involved in the incident. Two of them sustained minor injuries, while the remaining four escaped without harm.
The accident, which occurred at about 1 p.m. on Saturday, also caused traffic disruption on the expressway, as the fallen trailer blocked the entire stretch of the road.
Our correspondent observed that the incident led to a gridlock that lasted for several hours towards Nkpor, as the crash resulted in some skirmishes.
An eyewitness at the scene said the accident occurred when the trailer’s brakes reportedly failed as it descended the bridge, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle then veered off the bridge and collided with other vehicles below.
He added that about six passengers who were inside a shuttle bus under the bridge managed to flee before the trailer landed on the vehicle, although some sustained minor injuries while escaping.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Sector Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Margaret Onabe, confirmed that four vehicles were involved in the crash.
Onabe listed the vehicles as a Mercedes-Benz articulated truck with registration number FTD581XA; a commercial shuttle bus with registration number ENU540ZJ; another commercial shuttle bus with registration number BKL661XA; and an Audi Volkswagen car with registration number ENU528MK.
She added that the FRSC received a distress call at about 1:10 p.m., while the rescue team from RS5.31A Upper Iweka Outpost arrived at the crash scene to commence rescue efforts.
She said: “The Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra State Command, wishes to inform the public of a serious road traffic crash that occurred on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at about 1300hrs along the Onitsha–Awka Expressway, specifically at New Parts, Nkpor Bridge.
The crash involved four vehicles, namely a Mercedes-Benz articulated truck with registration number FTD581XA; a commercial shuttle bus with registration number ENU540ZJ; a commercial shuttle bus with registration number BKL661XA; and an Audi Volkswagen car with registration number ENU528MK.
“The FRSC received the distress call at about 1310hrs, and the rescue team from RS5.31A Upper Iweka Outpost arrived at the crash scene by 1315hrs.
“A total of six male adults were involved in the crash. Two sustained minor injuries, while four persons escaped unhurt. No fatalities were recorded.”
According to her, preliminary investigation identified brake failure and loss of control as the probable cause of the crash.
“According to eyewitness reports, the trailer experienced brake failure, veered off the bridge, and fell onto the other vehicles beneath the bridge.
“Before the arrival of the FRSC rescue team, the injured victims had already been evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
“To ensure free flow of traffic and prevent secondary crashes, the FRSC heavy-duty tow truck unit was promptly contacted to clear the obstruction caused by the affected vehicles.
The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, extended wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured and urged motorists particularly drivers of articulated vehicles and commercial transport operators to carry out regular vehicle maintenance and ensure proper functioning of braking systems before embarking on any trip.
Onabe further stated that the FRSC remains dedicated to its mandate of promoting road safety and providing swift emergency response to road traffic crashes across the state.
She added that normal traffic flow was gradually being restored, with vehicular movement already resuming along the affected route at the time of filing the report.
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