Hundreds of drivers were stuck in traffic after a 40-foot container truck crashed at the Mugbaimene terminus of the Onitsha-Owerri highway in Anambra state.
The driver lost control of the truck while transporting the container to its destination at the Onitsha market and fell into the road, leaving a narrow passage for other drivers. The situation worsened traffic conditions since Thursday as emergency services left trucks at the scene.
Discouraged by road conditions, some drivers avoided the axis, allegedly leading to stranded commuters. However, other drivers have reportedly used the axis to carry passengers to their destinations, driving up fares.
As of this Sunday, the truck had not yet been evacuated from the road and the crash was ongoing.
During a visit to the area to assess the situation on Sunday, emergency responders, including naval personnel, controlled traffic on the highway.
A commuter said people on the highway have been suffering since Thursday because of a container that fell on the road.
A Federal Traffic Safety Service official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the matter, said the response team was waiting for the cranes to arrive.
He urged drivers to exercise restraint and follow the instructions of emergency teams.
