By Duchess Ifeoluwa

Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the death of two persons in a tragic road accident involving a tipper truck, a motorcycle and a Nissan vehicle along Reuben Fasoranti/Fiwasaye Road, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The fatal accident, which occurred at about 11a.m. on Wednesday in front of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) headquarters, threw the area into confusion as angry youths attempted to attack VIO officials over the incident.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command said the accident involved an unregistered diesel tipper truck, a Nissan vehicle with registration number ONDO WWW-327TA driven by one Lawal Basiru Adegoke of Maronu Area, Akure, and an unregistered Mate 90 motorcycle ridden by Emeka Michael, 40, of Oke Ijebu Area, Akure.

Preliminary police investigation was said to have revealed that the tipper truck reportedly rammed into the motorcycle and the Nissan vehicle from the rear, resulting in the fatal collision.

Although the police statement did not officially identify the second deceased victim, residents and sympathisers at the scene said the victims were brothers from the same parents riding on the motorcycle at the time of the accident.

One of the deceased was said to be a popular fruit seller with a shed beside Showboy Plaza, Alagbaka, while the second victim was identified as his younger brother.

Police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene where photographs were taken and necessary documentation carried out.

According to the police, the motorcycle rider and his yet-to-be-identified passenger were rushed to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Akure, where medical personnel confirmed them dead.

The tragic incident triggered outrage among residents and road users, many of whom blamed the accident on the activities of VIO officials who were reportedly conducting roadside vehicle inspection operations in the area at the time.

Some angry youths reportedly attempted to attack officials of the VIO over the development before police officers intervened.

“In the aftermath of the incident, some angry youths attempted to attack officials of the VIO who were present there over the unfortunate development. However, police personnel at the scene acted promptly and professionally to prevent a breakdown of law and order, ensuring that the situation was brought under control without further escalation,” the statement said.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the roadside stop-and-check operation created traffic congestion along the busy route, making it difficult for motorists to manoeuvre before the speeding tipper truck crashed into the affected vehicles and motorcycle.

A commercial driver who narrowly escaped the accident had earlier told journalists that the truck rammed into several vehicles and motorcycles while people scampered for safety.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy, while the damaged vehicles and motorcycle have been recovered by the police for further inspection and investigation.

The Ondo State Police Command commiserated with the families of the victims and urged motorists to always observe traffic regulations, maintain safe speed limits and exercise caution while driving to prevent avoidable loss of lives.

The command added that investigation into the accident was ongoing.