Residents and commuters around the ever-busy Beere–Oja’Ba axis in Ibadan were thrown into a state of pandemonium on Tuesday afternoon following a horrific road accident involving a heavy-duty truck.
According to early reports and viral videos emerging from the scene, the truck—which many believe suffered a sudden brake failure—lost control while navigating the sloped terrain of the area. It reportedly ploughed through several stationary vehicles, tricycles (Keke Marwa), and a crowd of bystanders who were going about their daily business in the high-traffic market district.
The Scene of the Crash
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a “war zone” atmosphere. The sounds of screeching metal and shouting filled the air as the massive vehicle carved a path of destruction through the commercial hub.
“I was just standing by my shop when I heard the driver honking frantically,” one trader, who narrowly escaped, told reporters. “The truck was moving too fast for that narrow road. Before anyone could run, it had already crushed two Micras (commercial cars) and trapped some people under its tires.”
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
While official figures from the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and the FRSC are still being compiled, the situation on the ground looks grim. Local residents and “area boys” were the first to jump into action, using crowbars and sheer manual labor to try and rescue those trapped in the mangled remains of the smaller vehicles.
As of the time of this report, several individuals have been rushed to nearby hospitals, including the University College Hospital (UCH), with varying degrees of injuries. There are strong fears that the death toll could rise given the density of the crowd at the time of the incident.
A Recurring Nightmare?
This latest accident has reignited the conversation surrounding the safety of heavy-duty vehicles on Ibadan’s inner-city roads. The Beere and Molete axes have historically been “black spots” for brake failure incidents, leading many to call on the state government to strictly enforce the “no-daytime” movement policy for articulated vehicles in populated market areas.
Note to Readers: If you are planning to pass through the Beere, Oja’Ba, or Molete roads this afternoon, please seek alternative routes. Security agencies have cordoned off the area to allow for the evacuation of the wreckage, and the gridlock is currently backed up for several kilometers.
