A fatal accident in Ibadan has left nine people dead and five others injured. The collision involved a trailer carrying tiles and a lorry loaded with soft drinks, occurring early Monday morning at Oke Eleshin, Amuloko along Akanran Road.
Among the injured is a young pupil whose mother tragically died in the incident. Four of the injured have been taken to Amuloko City Hospital, where two primary school children were treated as outpatients, while two others with more severe injuries remain hospitalized for additional care. The bodies of the deceased have been transported to a hospital that has not yet been identified.
Eyewitness reports indicate that the accident was triggered by brake failure in the trailer as it descended the slope. The driver lost control, leading to the trailer colliding with two tricycles, popularly known as Keke NAPEP. A lorry filled with soft drinks, attempting to avoid the trailer, collided with another tricycle in the process.
A staff member from the Oyo Road Transport Maintenance Agency (OYRTMA) at the scene confirmed the sequence of events, stating, “We learnt that six persons died while five others were injured. They have all been conveyed from here.” The incident caused a significant traffic jam as passengers were forced to alight and walk due to the blockage, with many vehicles parked along the roadside awaiting clearance.
Sympathizers at the scene expressed frustration and anger, blaming the drivers, who reportedly fled the scene. They claimed that the situation could have been mitigated had the trailer driver swerved into a ditch instead of heading directly towards the oncoming tricycles.
Various security agencies, including Operation Burst, OYRTMA, the Police, Road Safety officials, Amotekun, and local vigilantes, were present to manage the situation.
Dr. Raji Wale, the Managing Director of Amuloko City Hospital, provided an update to Daily Sun, stating, “Six victims were brought here with varying degrees of injury. Some were taken to different hospitals. We’ve treated two kids who were stabilized and released, but two others with severe injuries remain hospitalized.” He added, “One young patient was in the Keke NAPEP with his mother, who unfortunately did not survive.”
The Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Oyo State Command, Mrs. Rosemary Alo, confirmed the accident but indicated more details would be provided after her team assesses the situation. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewole Osifeso, noted that comprehensive information would be given following a briefing from the FRSC Commander.