On Friday, June 27th, a terrible accident occurred when a tipper truck, carrying shaft sand, lost control and crashed into a crowd of traders and shoppers at the bustling Mile 6 Market in Jalingo, Taraba State. Several people were killed and many more were injured.
Eyewitnesses reported that the incident happened after one of the truck's tyres burst while it was travelling at speed, causing the driver to lose control.
The vehicle then veered off the road and into the crowded marketplace.
"It happened so fast. The truck was speeding, and after the tyre burst, the driver couldn’t steer. It just rammed into people,” a local reporter said.
Meanwhile Emergency services, including police and paramedics, were seen to have arrived quickly at the scene to assist victims and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
Authorities, at the time of this report, have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties as efforts continue to identify victims and inform their families.
The driver of the lorry, as reported by The Guardian, has been arrested and taken into police custody for further investigation.
Local officials have appealed for calm in the community and assured residents that they will provide support to those affected by the tragedy.
The accident has left the city of Jalingo in shock, prompting renewed calls for stricter road safety measures and enforcement to prevent similar disasters from happening again.
