Tragic Ibadan Multiple Crashes Claim Six Lives, Leave Five Injured

Six people died, and five others were injured to varying extents in a road accident that occurred in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Monday morning.

The crash, which involved a trailer transporting tiles and a truck carrying soft drinks, took place at Oke Eleshin, Amuloko, along Akanran Road, in Ona Ara Local Government Area of the state.

The accident resulted in the deaths of six individuals and left five others injured in two tricycles.

One of the injured was a student whose mother is said to have lost her life in the accident.

Four of the injured, including two primary school pupils, were taken to the nearby Amuloko City Hospital. The children were treated as out-patients, while two others with more serious injuries were admitted for further care.

The bodies of the deceased were transported to an undisclosed hospital.

A staff of the Oyo Road Transport Maintenance Agency, who did not want his name in print said, “The accident occurred in the early hours of today Monday). It was caused by brake failure of the trailer that was descending the slope of the road.”

A witness reported that the crash occurred after a trailer lost its grip and collided with a tricycle unexpectedly.

The eyewitness stated, “When the trailer lost control, it crushed a tricycle popularly called Keke NAPEP. Another lorry conveying soft drinks was coming from behind it and tried to avoid hitting the trailer in front, and in the process hit and crushed another Keke NAPEP.

“We learnt that six persons died while five persons sustained injuries. They have all been conveyed away from here.”

The accident led to a major traffic jam, forcing passengers to get out of their vehicles and walk.

In addition to the vehicles and tricycles, two other cars were involved and damaged in the series of accidents.

Supporters who were stopped from setting the vehicles on fire accused the drivers (who have since fled) and argued that the collision could have been less severe if the driver of the vehicle that lost its brakes had veered into a ditch rather than colliding with the approaching tricycle.

Raji Wale, the Managing Director of Amuloko City Hospital, verified that several of the victims were quickly taken to his facility.

Wale said, “Four patients were taken to his hospital. The accident occurred in the early hours of today ( Monday). Six victims were brought here with varying degrees of injury. Some were taken to other hospitals. We were able to absorb the ones brought here. Two have been treated as out-patient victims and they have been stabilized and they have left.

“Two kids have been treated and they are downstairs. One of them, I was told was in the Keke NAPEP with his mother. The mother died. The other two with severe injuries have been admitted and are being treated. They have been optimized and we are taking care of them presently. He explained.

Upon being reached for comment, Mary Alo, the state Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, acknowledged the accident but stated that she had not yet received a detailed briefing on the incident.