A tragic accident claimed multiple lives on Monday afternoon atop the ever-busy Udu Bridge in Delta State, when a truck reportedly lost control and collided with a stationary trailer, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals and injuries to several others.
According to eyewitness accounts, the fatal crash occurred due to a combination of brake failure and the distraction of a commercial tricycle (popularly known as Keke) rider. The truck, reportedly owned by construction giant Julius Berger, was attempting to swerve and avoid the tricycle when it rammed into a trailer that had broken down earlier on the bridge.
Tragically, a mechanic working beneath the stationary trailer—laden with electric poles—was crushed on the spot as the force of the collision caused the trailer to overturn. In the process, the trailer also crushed three moving tricycles carrying passengers, compounding the casualties.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a horrific aftermath, with bodies and debris scattered across the bridge. The accident triggered an immediate and complete shutdown of the road, plunging the area into hours of gridlock. Motorists, students, workers, and traders commuting into Warri and neighboring communities were left stranded, with many forced to abandon vehicles and continue their journey on foot.
Emergency responders struggled to reach the scene due to the massive traffic jam, further delaying rescue efforts. As of the time of filing this report, six lifeless bodies had been recovered from the wreckage, though the final death toll remains unconfirmed.
In a swift response, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, Chairman of Udu Local Government Area, abandoned official duties to personally mobilize rescue workers and coordinate efforts at the crash site. His intervention led to the eventual towing of both the trailer and the truck, although road clearance was still ongoing at press time.
The incident has once again raised concerns about safety on the Udu Bridge, particularly regarding the presence of stationary vehicles and the behavior of commercial tricycle operators.
