At least one person was feared dead in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, on Tuesday after an articulated vehicle, popularly known as a trailer, lost control and crashed into a crowd displaying wares on the roadside, ABN TV reports.

The fatal accident, which occurred at Ahiaeke Junction along the severely deteriorated Ikot Ekpene Road, also led to the destruction of property. The poor condition of the road, riddled with potholes and uneven surfaces, likely contributed to the driver’s loss of control.

Despite the trailer driver’s efforts to avoid casualties while transporting bamboo sticks, the vehicle struck a keke (tricycle) and tragically dragged its driver underneath. A young man on a motorbike was also hit and dragged under the lorry, resulting in severe injuries.

Witnesses, who recognized the driver’s attempts to prevent further damage, protected him from an angry mob and escorted him to the Ehimiri Police Station.