At least seven people were injured on Monday following a head-on collision involving two trucks in the Arinkinkin area of Ogbomoso South Local Government Area, Oyo State.
Eyewitnesses said the accident, which occurred along the Ogbomoso-Ilorin Road, was caused by a reckless overtaking maneuver by one of the truck drivers. The impact left both vehicles badly damaged and caused a temporary traffic gridlock.
One witness, Olajide Babalola, recounted: “There were eight people involved, all men. Seven of them sustained serious injuries and were immediately taken to Ebunoluwa Specialist Hospital, Sabo, Ogbomoso, for urgent medical care. Remarkably, one person escaped unhurt.”
Another traveler, who was on his way to Ilorin, said officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) arrived promptly to evacuate the injured and restore order.
It was gathered that while some victims are responding to treatment, others remain in critical condition, with a few reported to be in comas.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, said the agency received a distress call at 1:15 p.m. about a fire outbreak resulting from the crash.
He said: “Upon arrival, we discovered that two trucks, one loaded with maize and the other carrying unidentified chemicals, had collided and caught fire. Our personnel swiftly contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to the truck loaded with grains. The blaze was completely extinguished, though the truck with chemicals was severely damaged.”
Akinwande added that seven injured persons were rescued and taken to Bowen Teaching Hospital by FRSC officials for treatment. Traffic flow on the route has since been restored.
He emphasized the importance of fire safety preparedness, urging drivers to observe road safety rules, keep fire extinguishers in their vehicles, and have emergency numbers handy in case of accidents.
