Tragedy struck on Monday in Ibadan as nine persons, including a primary school pupil and her mother, lost their lives while several others were critically injured in a road crash at Oke-Elesin, Amuloko in Ona-Ara local government area of Oyo State.

The accident involved two trucks loaded with soda drinks, tiles, and two tricycles popularly known as ‘Keke Marwa.’

According to an eyewitness, one of the affected trucks lost control while descending the popular Oke Elesin hill and ran over the other affected vehicles, including Keke Marwa.

It was gathered that six of the affected victims died on the spot while the injured ones were receiving medical attention at the neighbourhood hospital.

“The accident occurred in the early hours of today. It was caused by the brake failure of the trailer that was descending the slope of the road,” an eyewitness said. “Having lost control, it crushed a tricycle popularly called Keke NAPEP. Another lorry conveying soft drinks that was coming from behind tried to avoid hitting the trailer in front, and in the process hit and crushed another Keke NAPEP.

“We learned that six persons died while five persons sustained injuries. They have all been conveyed away from here.”

Giving his account of the incident, the Managing Director of the Amuloko City Hospital, Dr. Raji Wale, confirmed that four patients were brought into his hospital.

“The accident occurred in the early hours of today, Monday. Six victims were brought here with varying degrees of injury. Some were taken to other hospitals.

“We were able to absorb the ones brought here. Two have been treated as outpatients, and they have been stabilised and left. Two kids have been treated and they are downstairs. One of them, I was told, was in the Keke NAPEP with his mother. The mother died.

“The other two with severe injuries have been admitted and are being treated. They have been stabilised, and we are taking care of them presently,” Dr. Raji said.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Oyo State Command, Mrs. Rosemary Alo, confirmed the accident.

Alo, however, stated that the accident would be officially confirmed after a briefing by her team who were on the field.

Security operatives, including men of Operation Burst, OYRTMA, Police, Road Safety, Amotekun, and local vigilantes, have ensured a free flow of traffic.