A tragic road accident on Monday afternoon near the Udu Bridge in Warri, Delta State, has claimed the lives of at least six people and left several others injured.

Eyewitnesses said the accident happened when a Julius Berger truck, reportedly suffering brake failure, swerved in an attempt to avoid hitting a commercial tricycle (Keke). In the process, it lost control and crashed into a stationary trailer that was loaded with electric poles.

The trailer had broken down and was being repaired by a mechanic working underneath when disaster struck. The force of the impact caused the trailer to collapse, instantly crushing the mechanic and several nearby tricycles carrying passengers.

“It was terrifying. The sound was like an explosion. Before we knew it, people were screaming and running,” a witness recounted.

Emergency teams quickly arrived but faced challenges accessing the scene due to heavy traffic caused by the blockage. Commuters, including students, workers, and traders heading into Warri, were forced to abandon their vehicles and continue on foot.

The Chairman of Udu Local Government Area, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, rushed to the scene to oversee rescue efforts. His presence helped coordinate the removal of the damaged vehicles, although the road remained closed for hours as cleanup operations continued.

Authorities have yet to release an official death toll, but at least six bodies were recovered from the site. Many more victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The incident serves as another grim reminder of the need for strict vehicle maintenance and safer driving practices to help prevent such heartbreaking tragedies on Nigerian roads.