Tragedy struck parts of Ibadan on Tuesday as a heavy tanker trailer reportedly lost control after suffering brake failure at Beere Roundabout, wreaking havoc along its path down to the bustling Oje Fruit Market.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the out-of-control trailer rammed into vehicles, roadside traders, and pedestrians, leaving a scene of chaos and destruction.
An unspecified number of people are feared dead, while scores sustained varying degrees of injuries.
As of the time of filing this report, emergency responders, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force and officials of the Oyo State Road Transport Management Agency, were on ground managing the situation and working to restore order in the affected areas.
Tension also rose at the scene as local youths, popularly known as area boys, resisted efforts to tow the tanker away.
They insisted that the vehicle must not be moved until its owner accepts full responsibility for the damage caused, especially as the driver reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident.
An eyewitness who spoke with journalists revealed that many bystanders believed the driver may have been attempting to avoid a more catastrophic disaster.
According to the source, the driver allegedly refrained from crashing into stationary vehicles at a nearby stop point, fearing it could trigger a fire outbreak or explosion, and instead struggled to bring the tanker to a halt.