Six die as truck rams into vehicles in Epe

 By Ganiyat Mumuni

At least six people died and many others were injured when a truck rammed into a parked car, a commercial tricycle, and nearby shops at the Aiyetoro Market Complex in Epe, Lagos State.

The tragedy has plunged the market community into mourning as officials assess the damage and provide aid to those affected.

Eyewitnesses said the truck, while descending from the Ita-Opo/Paramount hill towards Aiyetoro, had a brake failure and rammed into the vehicles and market area.

According to an eyewitness, the truck approached the Aiyetoro intersection at high speed, disregarding a red traffic signal.

“It just came down the hill, hitting tricycles lined up, a parked Toyota, and several shops,” the witness recounted.

Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Epe, Julius Oluwo described the accident as a ‘tragedy’.

He added: “We were just a stone’s throw away when it happened. The truck didn’t stop at the traffic light due to brake failure; it crashed into the parked vehicles. Five victims were pulled from under the truck, while others were rushed to the General Hospital.”

Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Epe, Ibrahim Moibi confirmed that four victims are receiving treatment at the hospital, and six fatalities have been recorded, including a technical student.