Six individuals lost their lives, and five others sustained injuries in a devastating road accident in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Monday morning.
The incident occurred at Oke Eleshin, Amuloko, on Akanran Road in the Ona Ara Local Government Area, involving a trailer transporting tiles and a lorry loaded with soft drinks.
Among the injured was a pupil whose mother was reportedly killed in the crash. The five injured victims were taken to Amuloko City Hospital, where two primary school children were treated and released as outpatients, while two others with more serious injuries were admitted for further care.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed as their bodies were transported to an undisclosed hospital.
A staff member from the Oyo Road Transport Maintenance Agency, who wished to remain anonymous, shared insights into the incident.
“The accident occurred in the early hours of Monday due to brake failure in the trailer as it descended the slope of the road,” he stated.
An eyewitness recounted the harrowing scene, saying, “The trailer lost control and crushed a tricycle known as Keke NAPEP. Another lorry, trying to avoid hitting the trailer, ended up colliding with a second Keke NAPEP.
The eyewitness added, “We learned that six people died, and five others were injured. They have all been taken away from here.”
The accident caused severe traffic congestion, prompting passengers to exit their vehicles and walk. In addition to the tricycles, two other cars were damaged in the multiple-vehicle collision.
Sympathizers present at the scene attempted to set fire to the vehicles but were stopped. They expressed frustration toward the drivers, who fled the scene, suggesting that the driver of the trailer could have swerved into a ditch to prevent the tragedy.
Raji Wale, Managing Director of Amuloko City Hospital, confirmed that several victims were brought to his facility. He stated, “Four patients were admitted to our hospital following the accident. Some victims were sent to other hospitals. We managed to treat two children, one of whom was in the Keke NAPEP with her mother, who sadly did not survive. The other two with severe injuries are currently receiving treatment.”
Mary Alo, the state Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, verified the occurrence of the accident but noted she had not yet received complete details about the incident.
