Tragic Accident in Ibadan: Fuel Trailer Kills Seven, Sparks Community Outrage
A horrific road accident in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, has resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including a motorcyclist, after a trailer transporting 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit lost control on Tuesday, March 24. The incident, which occurred at the Fruits Market along the Oje-Beere route in Ibadan South East Local Government Area, has left the community in tears and anger as survivors recount narrow escapes and families mourn their loved ones.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Chaotic Scene
Ademola Aderibigbe, a tricycle driver who suffered minor leg injuries, described his harrowing escape from the accident. "I was so lucky. I was around Beere roundabout, testing my tricycle after leaving the mechanic workshop. Suddenly, I heard a terrible sound pushing me aside. By the time I came out, the trailer was already heading towards the Oje axis," he said. Aderibigbe reported that the trailer crushed more than five tricycles, killing six people instantly, with one victim's remains packed in polythene.
Another eyewitness, Suleiman Oguntayo, expressed concern over the frequency of accidents on the route, noting that the driver lost control at the Beere end, running over two tricycles before heading to Oje market, where four more fatalities occurred. Several others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at local hospitals.
Police Confirm Investigation Amidst Grief
The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the accident but could not provide a final casualty figure. He stated that the case would be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. A senior police officer reiterated this, emphasizing the need for a thorough probe into the causes of the crash, which preliminary reports attribute to brake failure while descending the busy Mapo-Beere-Oje roads.
Families Mourn as Community Demands Action
At the Mapo Divisional Police Station, a relative of one of the deceased broke down in tears, revealing the personal tragedy behind the statistics. "My brother is gone. He left behind a 10-day-old child. He had just christened his daughter three days ago," the relative lamented. An Okada rider, Gafaru, suggested the death toll might be higher, as some bodies were packed in polythene and could not be immediately identified, highlighting the chaotic aftermath.
This incident has reignited calls for improved road safety measures in Ibadan, with residents urging authorities to address frequent accidents on hazardous routes. The community's anger is palpable, as they demand accountability and preventive actions to avoid future tragedies.
