Tricycle Rider Escapes Death by Seconds as Timber-Laden Truck Crashes in Umuahia

A commercial tricycle operator in Umuahia, Abia State, had a miraculous escape on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, after a truck carrying massive timber logs tipped over and crushed his tricycle—barely seconds after he jumped out of the vehicle.

The accident occurred in front of the New Timber Market, near Access Bank by 2nd Gate, causing immediate panic in the area. According to eyewitness accounts gathered by ABN TV, the truck was fully loaded and appeared unstable before losing control and toppling over onto the moving Keke.

“The tricycle man just jumped out — it was like a movie,” one eyewitness said. “If he had waited one more second, it would have been a different story.”

Photos and videos from the scene show the crushed remains of the yellow tricycle pinned under the weight of the timber, with wood splinters and debris scattered across the road.

The loud crash drew the attention of traders, motorists, and bystanders who rushed to the scene fearing the worst. Fortunately, no life was lost.

Security personnel and emergency responders were deployed swiftly to the site to control the situation, clear the wreckage, and manage traffic which had backed up along the busy commercial stretch.

As of the time of reporting, efforts were underway to remove the timber logs and assess any potential structural damage or traffic hazard.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of heavy-duty trucks navigating inner-city roads, especially in markets and high-footfall zones.

Residents and traders in the area are calling on relevant transport and safety agencies to tighten vehicle inspection routines and restrict overloaded trucks from entering crowded areas during business hours.

“This is the second time something like this is happening here. We need better control. Lives are at stake,” a trader in the market told reporters.

What could have been a fatal Tuesday morning turned into a scene of both destruction and relief, as a tricycle operator narrowly escaped death. While the community breathes a sigh of relief, the incident highlights the urgent need for stricter safety enforcement on Abia’s roads—especially in busy commercial hubs.