Two male adults have been confirmed dead and fifteen others injured in a fatal lone truck accident that occurred at Iwo road junction along the Osogbo-Gbongan road on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osun Sector Command, the accident was attributed to mechanical deficiency and driver fatigue. The Sector Commander, Leye Adegboyega, revealed that the driver of the DAF truck was dozing while driving.
"The crashed truck was loaded with approximately 70 animals—including cows, goats, and sheep—as well as human passengers seated atop the animals. The vehicle was reportedly traveling from Kebbi State en route to Ikire, Osun State," Adegboyega stated.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver had dozed off on at least two occasions after passing through Osogbo. Upon reaching the Surprise Hotel area in Gbongan, the driver allegedly fell asleep again, causing the truck to veer off the road and plunge into a roadside ditch.
The accident resulted in the truck overturning and violently ejecting both animals and passengers. Among the fifteen injured were thirteen male adults and two female adults, according to Agnes Ogungbemi, the Sector Public Education Officer.
Medical Response and Aftermath
The FRSC commander disclosed that two injured victims and one deceased person were taken to Adeoye Medical Centre in Gbongan, while thirteen injured victims and another deceased person were transported to Ariremako Medical Centre, also in Gbongan.
The crashed vehicle has been taken over by the Nigeria Police, Gbongan Division, for further investigation.
Sector Commander Adegboyega issued a stern warning to motorists, emphasizing that "all vehicles that are not road worthy should be off the highway." He further urged all drivers to exercise caution on the roads.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Nigeria, particularly regarding commercial vehicles carrying both goods and passengers over long distances without adequate rest periods for drivers.
