No casualty as bridge collapses in Enugu

An overhead bridge at the New Artisan Market axis in the Enugu State Capital collapsed on Monday morning.

The Nigerian Tribune observed that one lane of the Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway had been blocked by the debris of the collapsed bridge, forcing motorists using the motorway to divert through alternative routes to continue their journey.

It was learned that a fully loaded truck and an unidentified truck were on the bridge when it suddenly collapsed.

Security operatives, officials of the Federal and Enugu State Ministries of Works, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) were sighted within the area to assess the situation and assist the road users plying the alternative routes.

Residents of Goshen Estate, Premier Layout, worshippers at the Dunamis Church, and traders at the New Artisan Market who are regular users of the bridge are likely to encounter serious traffic gridlock on account of the collapsed bridge if an alternative route is not created as a matter of urgency.

However, no casualties have been reported as of the time of filing this report.

The incident has been confirmed by the Enugu State Government.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Works in the State, Engr. Gerald Otiji urged members of the public to make use of alternative routes.

“The Enugu State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure wishes to notify the general public of the bridge collapse that occurred on September 25, 2023, along Kilometre One of the Enugu Port Harcourt expressway, i.e., between Naira Triangle and Goshen Flyover.

“The general public and road users are hereby advised to detour to Nza through New Haven or Ogui Road to their various destinations, while the authorities are coming up with measures for immediate repair on the failed section,” he wrote.