Two siblings were on Wednesday crushed to death in Akure, Ondo State capital when a truck rammed into a motorcycle they were riding on along Fiwasaye Road within the metropolis.
The middle-aged brothers, who were popular fruit sellers within Iyeoma axis in Alagbaka, had the accident in front of the VIO office.
The accident involved an unregistered tipper truck, a Nissan vehicle with registration number Ondo WWW-327TA and an unregistered Mate 90 motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, Lawal Adegoke and his brother were rushed to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Akure (FUTATH), where they were both confirmed dead.
According to sources, the accident was allegedly caused by VIO operatives who were on the road stopping and inspecting vehicle papers, with traffic congestion caused by their action.
One of the sources, who gave his name as Kunle, stated that the tipper rammed into vehicles and motorcycles. I immediately ran for my life. You can see how badly my vehicle was damaged.
“The truck crushed the two men on the motorcycle instantly. I thank God for sparing my life.”
Meanwhile, it took the intervention of the Nigeria Police Force to prevent angry youths from attacking the VIO office and the operatives.
After calm was restored, the police officers from the Ijapo Division later evacuated the victims’ bodies to the morgue.
While confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abayomi Jimoh, stated that “police operatives swiftly responded to the scene where photographs were taken and necessary documentation carried out.
“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 remains of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy, while the accidented vehicles and motorcycle have been recovered to the station for safekeeping and further inspection.
“The Command commiserates with the families of the deceased and urges motorists to always exercise caution, maintain safe speed limits and ensure strict adherence to traffic regulations to prevent avoidable loss of lives. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.”
