Outrage in Enerhen as Schoolgirl Dies in Accident Linked to Julius Berger

Residents of Enerhen in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State are calling for urgent safety measures following the death of a primary school pupil along MCC Road on Monday. The incident occurred near an ongoing drainage construction project reportedly handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, sparking anger among community members who say repeated safety lapses at the site have led to several accidents.

Witnesses said the girl was returning home from school with her siblings when they attempted to cross the busy road near the construction area. A heavy-duty truck linked to the project had stopped to allow the children cross safely. Moments later, the pupil reportedly noticed her school bag had fallen on the road and ran back to pick it up.

Believing the children had already crossed, the driver allegedly moved the truck, fatally crushing the girl. A resident explained that the driver had initially waited for the children to cross but likely assumed they were all off the road before moving the vehicle. The child died instantly in the tragic incident.

The accident has sparked widespread outrage in the community, with residents accusing the contractors of failing to put adequate safety measures in place around the construction zone, particularly in an area frequently used by schoolchildren and pedestrians.

Community members also recalled earlier incidents linked to the drainage project. They said a child previously died after falling into the deep drainage under construction, while another was rescued after a similar fall. Residents insist the latest tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger safety controls.

The girl’s body has been deposited in a mortuary as residents continue to mourn and demand accountability. They also allege that construction activities have resumed at the site three days after the incident without any official visit or public statement from the company.

Attempts to obtain reactions from Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and the Delta State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time, while residents continue to urge authorities to investigate the incident and compel contractors to enforce stricter safety measures at construction sites.