Tragedy struck on Thursday morning along the Onitsha–Owerri Road when an articulated truck conveying a container fell, crushing three passengers in a tricycle to death and trapping occupants of three other tricycles beneath the container.

The incident, which occurred around 7:30 a.m. near the Mgbemena Junction during the peak of traders’ movement, sparked outrage among residents and tricycle operators.

Eyewitnesses said the accident was caused by the deplorable condition of the dual carriageway, which has forced motorists to drive against traffic on a single lane.

Eyewitnesses blamed the tragedy on the state government’s neglect of the road despite months of public outcry.

The accident led to a total blockade of the Onitsha–Owerri Road as tricycle operators withdrew their services and residents demanded urgent government intervention.

Meanwhile, a towing vehicle, personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and officers from Okpoko Police Station later arrived at the scene to begin efforts to lift the container and rescue those trapped.