3 dead, 5 injured in multiple road crash in Ondo

Tragedy struck on Wednesday in Akure, the Ondo State capital as a laden truck Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly known as fuel rammed into road side traders at Shasha market, along Ilesha-Owo express way.

The accident which involved three other vehicles claimed three lives on the spot, while five others are currently in the hospital battling for survival.

It was gathered that the truck also crashed into two filling stations where it destroyed two pumps.

At the scene of the accident, men of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC were seen directing the heavy traffic which had already build up as well as the Fire Service who were on ground to checkmate fire outbreak that might occurred.

According to eyewitnesses’ accounts, the truck loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, PMS which was said to be coming from Ilesha end of the express way, veered off the road, when it suddenly lost control.

One of the eyewitnesses, Kabiru Mustapha who lost a friend in the accident, narrated that “I was setting up my wares for the day’s business when I heard a loud noise from afar.

“Just seconds after stepping out of my shop, the truck which obviously had failed breaks had already crashed into other shops beside mine.

“A friend of mine, who sells suya died in the accident. It’s so unfortunate.

Also another witness who simply gave her name Mrs Akinsanmi stated that she miraculously escaped from being killed in the accident as she left some minutes before the truck also rammed into World Class Travels Filling Station.

“I had just finished buying fuel from the filling station that the truck which cleared everything in his part finally stopped.

“I after the chaotic experience, I saw about 10 bodies laying on the floor,” she stated.

The Head of Operations, Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Command, Segun Ogungbemide attributed the accident to overspending and brake failure on the part of the truck driver.

He however disclosed that only three lives were lost in the accident and their bodies have been deposited in the morgue, while five others who got injured are currently being treated in the hospital.

“As soon as we received information that the accident occurred, we quickly mobilized to the scene.

“What we realized was that the driver of the truck was over speeding while passing through the popular Sasha market along the Ilesha-Owo express way and in the process lost control as a result of brake failure.

“Three bodies were evacuated from the scene while those injured have been taken to the hospital.

Ogungbemide who advised motorists to adhere to all necessary road regulations in order to avoid crashes particularly in the ember months period, noted that most accidents that occurred in the state are usually caused by those on transit.