Nine people, including a primary school pupil and her mother, lost their lives, and several others were critically injured in an early morning road crash at Oke-Elesin, Amuloko, in the Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State on Monday.
The accident involved two trucks loaded with soda drinks and tiles, along with two tricycles popularly known as “Keke Marwa.”
According to eyewitness accounts, one of the trucks lost control while descending the popular Oke-Elesin hill and ran over other vehicles, including the Keke Marwa.
It was reported that six of the victims died on the spot, while the injured are receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital.
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An eyewitness added, “The accident occurred early this morning. It was caused by brake failure on the truck as it descended the slope of the road. After losing control, it crushed a tricycle, or Keke NAPEP. Another lorry, carrying soft drinks, was following closely behind and, in an attempt to avoid the truck in front, collided with and crushed another Keke NAPEP.”
“We learned that six people died, while five others were injured. They have all been taken away from the scene.”
Giving his account of the incident, the Managing Director of Amuloko City Hospital, Dr. Raji Wale, confirmed that four patients were brought to his hospital.
“The accident occurred early this morning. Six victims were brought in with varying degrees of injuries, and some were taken to other hospitals. We managed to treat those brought here. Two were treated as outpatients and have been stabilized and discharged. Two children are still here. I was informed that one of the children was in the Keke NAPEP with his mother, who died.”
“The other two, with severe injuries, have been admitted and are being treated. They have been stabilized, and we are continuing their care,” Dr. Raji added.
When contacted, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Oyo State, Mrs. Rosemary Alo, confirmed the accident.
However, she stated that the accident would be officially confirmed after receiving a briefing from her officers in the field.
As of the time of this report, normalcy has returned to the area, with security operatives, including men from Operation Burst, OYRTMA, the Police, Road Safety, Amotekun, and local vigilantes, ensuring a free flow of traffic.
