Tragic accident claims lives on Oru-Ijebu Igbo highway; angry mob sets vehicle ablaze

At least three lives were lost, and four individuals sustained severe injuries in a tragic accident at the Maranatha axis of the Oru-Ijebu Igbo highway in the Ijebu North local government area of Ogun State.

The accident occurred around 11 am and involved a Toyota Camry “Muscle” car with registration number SGM 88 AE, which collided with a commercial tricycle bearing the mark TTN 117 VV.

The tricycle was operating between the former refugee camp in Oru and Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu North Local Government Area.

Eyewitnesses reported that the female learner driver of the Toyota Camry was speeding inbound to Ijebu-Igbo when the vehicle lost control, leading to the tragic collision with the tricycle.

The impact resulted in the immediate death of three tricycle passengers, while four others sustained life-threatening injuries. Among the injured were pedestrians and individuals waiting at a bus stop in the vicinity.

Confirming the incident, Babatunde Akinbiyi, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the State’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), stated that the severity of the accident provoked an angry mob reaction.

The enraged crowd descended upon the scene, setting the involved car ablaze. Attempts by uniformed personnel to document the incident through photographs were met with resistance from the furious mob, leading to an attack on the security operatives.

Despite the challenges posed by the mob, TRACE personnel managed to carry out strategic traffic control a few meters away from the crash site to prevent a traffic gridlock on the highway.

Akinbiyi further revealed that the corpses of the accident victims were promptly evacuated to a private hospital in Ago-Iwoye. The injured were also transported to the same facility for immediate medical attention.

The tragic incident highlights the immediate and devastating consequences of road accidents, not only on the victims directly involved but also on the communities affected.

The loss of lives and the resulting injuries have left families grieving and the local community in shock.

As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident commence, the need for road safety awareness and responsible driving practices becomes even more critical.

Incidents such as this serve as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and the potential consequences of negligence on the road.

In conclusion, the Oru-Ijebu Igbo highway tragedy is a sombre reminder of the fragility of life and the need for continuous efforts to enhance road safety.

Beyond the immediate response to this unfortunate event, it calls for a sustained commitment to promoting responsible driving habits and ensuring the safety of road users across the region.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members