Truck crushes 12 in Ogun

No fewer than six people were feared dead, while six others were critically injured after a tipper driver rammed into roadside traders at old Ota Toll Gate in Ogun State.

 PUNCH Metro learnt that the accident, which happened around 11am on Thursday, was caused by brake failure.

Eyewitnesses said the sand-filled tipper marked STOCKINGER STEYR and with number plate JJJ 551 XB, ran into the traders who were selling pepper, oil and bread among others.

An eyewitness said, “The incident happened around 11am. The tipper was coming from Lagos when it had a brake failure.

“As the driver struggled with the vehicle, the vehicle veered off the road and rammed into the

traders.

“It was not a beautiful sight; the tipper was climbing over the women, men and children selling bread, pepper and other wares by the roadside. Those buying too were not spared.”

 He said the driver of the vehicle immediately fled to avoid mob attack.

 Our correspondent observed that the area was covered with blood stains, and smashed wares.

 As tears flowed, the residents of the area and other sympathizers started making frantic efforts to take some of the victims to hospitals.

The police and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Ogun State Traffic Compliance Enforcement Corps later arrived at the scene.