Traders at the Umuahia Timber Market narrowly escaped death on Tuesday when a heavy-duty truck carrying timber materials crashed while attempting to enter the market premises.
The incident occurred as the driver tried to navigate through a dilapidated entrance point. While no lives were lost in the accident, several tricycles and food items were destroyed by the fallen timber.
Mrs. Helen Onwuegbu and Oluchi Asoha, traders at the market, expressed gratitude for their survival despite the losses incurred. "We thank God for saving our lives from what could have been a tragic incident," they stated.
The traders attributed the accident to the poor road network within the market, which they claim has been exacerbated by persistent flooding in the Umuahia industrial market area.
Luke Anozie Ufomadu, President of the Umuahia Timber Industrial Market, and Mr. Onyemechi Ndu, Chairman of the building material section, confirmed the incident. They highlighted that the ongoing rainy season has made it particularly challenging for vehicles, especially heavy-duty trucks, to safely enter the market due to the deteriorated road conditions.
The market leaders have appealed to Abia State Governor Alex Otti to extend his ongoing infrastructural development initiatives to the Umuahia Industrial Market. They specifically emphasized the urgent need to address the dilapidated road and inadequate drainage systems that have plagued the market for years.
This incident underscores the broader infrastructure challenges facing many markets in Abia State, where inadequate maintenance and poor planning continue to pose risks to traders and customers alike.
Stay updated with the latest news from Umuahia and across Abia State by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
