Bridge near children's amusement park collapses in Owerri after heavy downpour

IMO State capital Owerri was thrown into chaos yesterday when a bridge near the Children’s Amusement Park located at the Ikemba Ojukwu Centre collapsed after a heavy downpour although fortunately nobody was injured.

Constructed by the current administration of Governor Rochas Okorocha, the bridge, being a major tourism site, has been used to generate funds for the state government. It is not known why it suddenly gave way but there was heavy rain in Owerri on Tuesday and yesterday, the bridge just gave way on itself.

Ogechi Ololo, the Imo State commissioner for happiness and purpose fulfilment, said she was yet to be briefed on the cause of the incident. Mrs Ololo, Governor Okorocha's sister is responsible for amusement and entertainment in the state.

Eyewitness Mary Nlemadim, said: “It is unfortunate that this is happening in the state, especially at a place that is supposed to be a recreation centre. I thank God that it happened in the night when people were not around, otherwise, there might have been casualties.

“I urge the state government and engineers working on construction projects in the state to be more dedicated and thorough.”