By Muhammed Ogwu, Lafia
A tragic incident occurred at the ongoing flyover and underpass construction site in Lafia, Nasarawa State, resulting in one fatality and five workers sustaining severe injuries. The workers were involved in refilling gully drainages as part of the project when the accident took place.
Engineer Farsan Daou, the Area Manager for Triacta Nigeria Limited, confirmed the tragedy during a phone interview with our correspondent.
He stated that one worker lost his life, while five others were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia.
The flyover and underpass project, a significant infrastructure development in the state capital, aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve urban mobility.
Expected to be completed ahead of schedule, the project is also seen as a catalyst for enhancing the city’s aesthetic appeal and overall quality of life.
In May 2024, Governor Abdullahi Sule reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing the state’s infrastructure by approving the 1.2-kilometer flyover and underpass project. These initiatives are designed to improve safety, connectivity, and traffic flow in Lafia.
Engineer Daou elaborated on the incident, revealing that the fatal accident occurred around 12 noon.
“One of our staff passed away, and several others are receiving treatment. We are hopeful that all of them will recover,” he said. He also confirmed that one of the injured workers was transferred to Jos for specialized medical care due to the severity of his injuries.
A Triacta Nigeria Limited employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the accident occurred while workers were attempting to refill a drainage at a mobile filling station.
A wall collapsed on them, trapping several workers. Tragically, one of them died instantly when an excavator, which was attempting to rescue the trapped workers, accidentally struck him in the head. The excavation work, which was intended to help clear the debris, inadvertently caused the fatal injury.
The source also disclosed that the drainage pit, which was about 5 meters deep, posed significant risks. “The workers were digging and refilling the drainage when the wall fell on them. Some workers were stationed inside the pit, while others were working around the area when the collapse occurred,” the source explained.
This incident is not the first of its kind. Another staff member, also speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed a similar incident occurred last year, resulting in the death of one worker and injuries to several others. In that case, the deceased was from Nasarawa State.
The tragic event has forced the company to suspend all ongoing construction activities at the Lafia flyover and underpass site as they investigate the cause of the accident and ensure the safety of the remaining workers.
As of now, the state government and Triacta Nigeria Limited are closely monitoring the situation, with efforts focused on providing the necessary support for the affected families and ensuring that the injured workers receive proper care.
