REPORTER: OBY ARINZE
What would have been a tragedy was averted along Nkpor fly over in Idemili North local government area of Anambra State when a heavy-duty truck reportedly lost control on the bridge.
It crashed from the flyover onto the lower road at the busy New Parts Market axis of Idemili North Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred during peak business hours, caused panic among traders, motorists and residents as the truck plunged from the bridge onto the road.
Though no life was lost, eye witnesses said the truck was attempting to use the flyover when the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle. According to them, the truck crashed through part of the bridge structure before landing on the lower road.
A trader at the market, Mr. Echezona Onyebuchi, said people ran in different directions for safety on noticing that the vehicle was no longer under control.
Another eyewitness, Mrs Loveth Anazodo explained that the front section of the truck hit the ground first before the main body came crashing down, creating a terrifying spectacle.
Despite the severity of the accident, no fatality or serious injury was recorded, a development many residents described as an act of divine intervention.
The incident has renewed concerns over the use of the flyover by heavy-duty vehicles despite directives by the Anambra State Government restricting such vehicles to the lower road.
A good number of residents called on relevant authorities to intensify enforcement of traffic regulations and ensure strict compliance with restrictions placed on heavy trucks to forestall similar occurrences.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area, Mr. Stanley Nkwoka, who visited the scene, expressed gratitude to God that no casualty was recorded.
Mr. Nkwoka said the truck fell from the bridge and landed on the lower road, damaging a parked shuttle bus, while the owner narrowly escaped death.
He thanked God for preserving the lives of road users, traders, passengers and residents in the area, describing the outcome as a testament to divine protection.
As at the time of filing this report, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps and other sister agencies were at the scene maintaining order and ensuring free flow of traffic.
