By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
An articulated vehicle reportedly developed a fatal fault on its braking system in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, today, running into and resulting in the death of yet-to-be-ascertained number of persons, while others sustained injuries.
The vehicle, according to eyewitnesses, was a fuel-laden tanker which rammed into commercial tricycles, popularly known as ‘Keke Marwa.’
The accident happened at Beere area of the state capital in the afternoon.
The incident, which occurred around 1:15 p.m., threw the busy inner-city corridor into chaos as the tanker reportedly lost control and rammed into the multiple tricycles conveying passengers.
Eyewitnesses described a moment of panic as the heavy-duty vehicle crushed the tricycles, leaving some occupants trapped beneath the wreckage.
“It happened very fast. The tanker lost its brakes from the Oja-Oba area, descending the slope toward Beere and Oje areas of the town before crashing into the kekes. People started shouting and running,” said an eyewitness.
Thereafter, images and videos of the scene of the crash started circulating online, indicating severely damaged tricycles pinned under the tanker, while bystanders and first responders struggled to rescue victims.
Emergency responders, including police officers and traffic management officials, were promptly deployed to the scene to control the situation, evacuate the injured, and restore order to traffic in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been made by appropriate authorities.
*PHOTO CAPTION: A section of the crash scene.
