Udu, Delta State – A tragic accident occurred Monday afternoon on the ever-busy Udu Bridge, resulting in the death of at least six people and leaving several others injured.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident happened when a Julius Berger truck, believed to have suffered brake failure, rammed into a stationary trailer carrying electric poles. The trailer had broken down earlier, and a mechanic was working underneath it when the crash happened. Sadly, he was among those killed instantly.
The driver of the truck reportedly lost control while trying to avoid hitting a commercial tricycle (commonly known as Keke). In the process, the truck slammed into the broken-down trailer. The impact was so severe that the trailer toppled over, crushing three moving Kekes filled with passengers.
“It was terrifying. The sound was like an explosion. Before we knew it, people were screaming and running,” said one eyewitness at the scene.
The road became completely blocked following the crash, causing heavy traffic and leaving many stranded. Students, workers, and traders heading into Warri and nearby areas had to abandon their vehicles and continue on foot. Emergency responders found it difficult to access the scene due to the gridlock.
As of the time of this report, six bodies had been recovered from the scene, although the exact number of deaths has not been officially confirmed.
Chairman of Udu Local Government Area, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, quickly left his office to personally lead rescue efforts. His intervention helped speed up the removal of the damaged truck and trailer, though the road remained closed for hours as cleanup continued.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns about road safety and the need for better vehicle maintenance, especially on busy routes like the Udu Bridge.
