The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the death of two persons and injuries to several others following a fatal road accident involving a truck and multiple commercial tricycles in Ibadan.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the tragic incident occurred within the Ibadan metropolis when a Mack truck belonging to Bovas Oil reportedly lost control while descending from the Beere area and rammed into vehicles along the busy Oje Market axis.
Preliminary findings, the police said, indicate that the accident claimed the lives of a man and a woman on the spot, while at least two other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The crash also led to extensive damage to five tricycles and a Toyota Camry car caught in the impact.
The truck driver, described as a male adult, reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident and is currently at large.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a fatal road traffic accident involving a truck and multiple tricycles within the Ibadan metropolis,” the statement read.
“Preliminary findings reveal that the incident occurred when a Mack truck belonging to Bovas Oil lost control while in motion from the Beere area and subsequently crashed along the Oje Market axis.”
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Mapo Division to take charge of the situation and coordinate response efforts with other security agencies.
Police operatives were promptly deployed to the scene, where they carried out rescue operations and evacuated injured victims to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The bodies of the deceased were also recovered and deposited at a mortuary, while damaged vehicles and other affected property were secured for investigation.
“The DPO promptly mobilized to the scene, facilitated the rescue and evacuation of the injured victims to the hospital, ensured the removal of the deceased to the mortuary, and secured all affected properties,” the statement added.
The Command said a full-scale investigation has commenced to determine the exact cause of the accident, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing driver.
Police appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support ongoing investigations by providing credible information that could assist in apprehending the suspect.
The police also reiterated the need for strict compliance with traffic regulations to prevent avoidable road tragedies across the state.