At least six people were feared dead and several others injured on Monday afternoon following a fatal crash involving a Julius Berger truck, a broken-down trailer, and multiple tricycles on the busy Udu Bridge in Delta State.
According to eyewitnesses, the trailer—laden with electric poles—had broken down earlier on the bridge. A mechanic working beneath it was among the casualties when a fast-moving truck reportedly suffered brake failure and swerved to avoid a commercial tricycle (Keke), colliding directly with the stationary trailer.
“The impact was devastating. The truck hit the trailer with full force, toppling it. The mechanic underneath didn’t stand a chance,” said one witness. “Three tricycles were also crushed.”
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the driver’s evasive manoeuvre to avoid hitting the tricycle played a role in the tragedy, which caused the trailer to collapse, trapping and killing multiple victims instantly.
Chaos and Gridlock
The accident completely shut down traffic on Udu Bridge, leaving hundreds of motorists, commuters, and schoolchildren stranded. Workers and traders heading into Warri and its environs were forced to abandon vehicles and trek long distances as emergency responders struggled to access the crash site.
As of press time, six bodies had been recovered from the wreckage. However, officials say the exact death toll remains unconfirmed due to the severity of the crash and ongoing clearance operations.
Local Government Chairman Intervenes
Chairman of Udu Local Government Area, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, immediately mobilized emergency services and personally visited the scene. His intervention facilitated the towing of the truck and trailer, though traffic remained at a standstill hours later as rescue efforts continued.
“This is a tragedy we cannot ignore,” Oyibode said. “Lives have been lost, and we must now look at stricter enforcement of safety protocols for all road users.”
Call for Action
The incident has sparked renewed calls for:
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The removal of broken-down vehicles from major roads and bridges.
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Stricter enforcement of commercial vehicle inspections, particularly on aging or overloaded trucks.
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Improved emergency response access on major roadways in Warri and surrounding areas.
As Delta State mourns the loss of lives, authorities are urging the public to avoid the Udu Bridge until clearance is completed.
