By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Two people sustained minor injuries on Saturday after a trailer carrying a 40-foot container fell from the New Parts, Nkpor Bridge along the Onitsha–Awka Expressway in Anambra State. The crash occurred at about 1:00 p.m. when the trailer reportedly suffered brake failure, lost control, veered off the bridge, and landed on four vehicles below. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) responded quickly, rescued the victims, and restored traffic after clearing the wreckage.
Brake Failure Triggers Multi-Vehicle Crash
Eyewitnesses said the trailer developed brake failure while descending the Nkpor Bridge. Consequently, the driver lost control and crashed through the bridge before landing on vehicles beneath.
One witness said several passengers had just exited one of the commercial buses before the trailer struck it. Although some people sustained minor injuries while fleeing, the incident did not claim any lives.
The crash caused heavy traffic congestion along the Onitsha–Awka Expressway, particularly towards Nkpor. However, FRSC officials later cleared the road and restored normal traffic flow.
Four Vehicles Involved
According to the FRSC, the crash involved four vehicles:
- 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
- An Audi Volkswagen car with registration number ENU528MK
FRSC Responds Within Minutes
The Sector Public Education Officer of the FRSC in Anambra State, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Saturday.
She said the agency received a distress call at 1:10 p.m. Rescue personnel from the RS5.31A Upper Iweka Outpost arrived at the scene by 1:15 p.m.
Onabe disclosed that six adult males were involved in the crash. Two suffered minor injuries, while four escaped unhurt. No fatalities were recorded.
Preliminary Investigation Points to Brake Failure
According to Onabe, preliminary findings indicate that brake failure caused the accident.
She said eyewitnesses reported that the trailer lost its brakes, veered off the bridge, and landed on the vehicles below.
Before FRSC officials arrived, bystanders had already taken the injured victims to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The FRSC also deployed a heavy-duty tow truck to remove the damaged vehicles and prevent secondary crashes.
FRSC Urges Regular Vehicle Maintenance
The Anambra State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.
She urged drivers, especially operators of articulated trucks and commercial vehicles, to inspect their vehicles regularly. She stressed that functional braking systems remain essential for road safety.
Asekhauno also reaffirmed the FRSC’s commitment to ensuring safer roads through prompt emergency response and effective traffic management.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had restored normal traffic flow along the affected section of the expressway.
