Eyewitnesses said that two lorries conveying goods were on the bridge when the incident occurred. The drivers and conductors of the lorries escaped unhurt.
It was also learnt that artisans and beggars who were always seen on the bridge had not come out from their homes when the incident occurred.
It was also observed that debris of the collapsed bridge has blocked a portion of the double lane road, forcing motorists plying the expressway to divert through alternative routes to continue their journey
Security operatives, officials of the Federal and Enugu State Ministries of Works, Federal Road Maintenance Agency, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) were sighted within the area to assess the situation as well as to assist the road users plying the alternative routes.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman, Enugu Capital Territory, Uche Anya, said that the state government had made a report about the bad condition of the bridge but the federal government failed to act.
He said that the state governor, Peter Mbah, has given directives on immediate steps which were already being taken to ease the traffic congestion in the area, adding that the governor was in touch with the federal government on the collapsed bridge.
“The disaster that just occurred did not happen overnight. It was simply a disaster waiting to happen. The state government had made a report that that bridge was collapsing and needed urgent attention. But you know the conundrum in the federalism we operate.
“The federal ministry of works will not even stomach the state walking in on federal roads. That is a very big problem. The request has been there and the authorities are aware. The bridge has been crying for attention more than two years ago. Unfortunately this has come to a head.
“The governor has visited the site and has given directives on immediate steps to be taken. You can see we are diverting the traffic. And he is in touch with the federal authority and in the next couple of days, I’m sure, the picture will become clearer. The governor is on top of it.”
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