An overhead bridge at the New Artisan Market axis in the Enugu State Capital collapsed on Monday morning. The incident has been confirmed by the Enugu State Government.
According to Dan Nwomeh, the Head of Media to the Office of the governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, who shared the news on social media, “A bridge has collapsed in Enugu along the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway between New Artsisan and Naira Triangle. Motorists should please avoid that route. Federal and State officials already at the scene.”
In a stroke of luck amid the chaos, no casualties have been reported as of the time of writing this post. The bridge collapse occurred when an unidentified truck was on the bridge.
Engr. Gerald Otiji, the Commissioner for Works in the State, issued a statement urging the public to utilize alternative routes while repairs are underway. “The Enugu State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure wishes to notify the general public of the bridge collapse which occurred on 25th September 2023 along Kilometer One, 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.”
Regular inspections and maintenance of vital structures like bridges are essential to prevent catastrophic events such as this. The incident serves as a stark reminder to prioritize infrastructure safety, especially on busy highways like the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.