An unspecified number of people lost their lives, while scores were injured on Sunday morning, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital when a tanker, conveying petroleum gas rammed into the popular Bode market.
The gas tanker coming from the Idi Arere axis lost control due to brake failure, thus crushing many traders, a tricycle and a commercial motorcycle, REPORTERS AT LARGE authoritatively gathered.
Some of the traders, who were at the scene when the accident occurred disclosed that it occurred around 8.30 am, adding that the loud impact of the gas tanker when it rammed into a shopping complex inside the market caused apprehension.
Tribune Online reports that the dual carriage expressway from Beere to Idi Arere and Bode, shortly before the flyover bridge was closed to traffic, just as men of Oyo State and Federal Fire Service, including officers of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police, were at the scene.
Though details surrounding the incident were still sketchy as of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Commander of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC), Mrs Uche Winifred Chukwura confirmed the accident to our correspondent.
However, she stated that “it is that the accident occurred this morning at Bode market, but our people are still there evacuating the debris and casualty. For now, we cannot give a specific figure of the casualty. I would get back to you later about the number of people that died in the accident.”
Details later…