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Tragedy struck in Ibadan on Monday night, about 15 minutes to the New Year when a trailer rammed into a commercial bus, causing the death of 12 people, including a pregnant woman.
Over 15 people were injured in the accident which occured at about 11:40pm around Second Gate, New Gbagi International Market, along New Ife-Ibadan Express road in the city.
It is not clear how the trailer driver lost control but apart from the bus. a Toyota Camry and Nissan Micra cars were also affected.
Reports said many of the victims were those heading to various churches for the cross over night services. The accident caused a traffic gridlock and many got stranded on the road.
However, there are conflicting casualty figuresWhile the Oyo state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adekunle Ajisebutu, put the casualty figure at 11, figures from the office of the Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mrs Cecilia Alao, said 12 people died. Eyewitnesses said
It was gathered that three of the injured victims in hospital died on New Year’s Day (Tuesday morning).
An eyewitness, Mrs Iseoluwa Opeyemi, who claimed to be a neighbour to the deceased pregnant woman, said the woman, identified as Mama Funmilayo, was on her way to her mother in-law’s house at Iyana Agbala area of the city when the disaster occured.
A statement issued by the FRSC said: “Three (3) vehicles with the following details were involved in the crash: 1. DAF 85 trailer, Red Color (No registration), 2. Toyota Camry Salon, Gold Color with registration (KJA672CG) and 3. Toyota Hiace, White Color with registration (MUS171XF).
“A total of Nineteen (19) people were involved in the crash consisting of (10 male adults, 8 female adults and 1 male child)
“As at the time of conclusion of rescue operations, Nine (9) victims were confirmed dead and their corpses deposited at the morgue of Oyo State Specialist Hospital, Adeoyo while Ten (10) injured victims were conveyed to Toun Specialist Hospital, Iwo road area for medical attention.
“Subsequent hospital follow up conducted by the Command on Tuesday 1st January, 2019 suggests that an additional 3 victims have also died making the total fatality figure Twelve (12) consisting of (8 Male Adults 3 Female Adults and 1 Male Child) while 7 injured victims made up of (2 Male Adults and 5 Female Adults) are still on admission receiving treatment.
“Preliminary investigation suggests that brake failure resulting in loss of control is the causative factor of the road traffic crash.
“Meanwhile, road obstruction caused by the multiple crash was duly cleared by FRSC personnel at about 0214am on 1st January 2019 thereby ensuring sustenance of smooth traffic flow.
“Whilst it is crucial to commiserate with the families of the deceased and wish the injured quick recovery, it is imperative to state that effective maintenance of vehicle components and general adherence to safety rules is strongly recommended to forestall a recurrence of the unfortunate incident.”