From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Two passengers have been confirmed dead as a truck conveying animals from the North crashed at Gbongan in Ayedaade Local Government of Osun State, on Wednesday, May 28.
The truck, which was said to be carrying about 17 passengers with a load of animals, lost control and rammed into a ditch by the roadside.
Findings showed that the accident occurred around 8:30 am, when the driver of the animal-laden truck allegedly dozed off and plunged into a ditch.
The Sector Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Agnes Ogungbemi, confirmed the incident, saying that the accident was caused by violation of mechanical deficiency.
Speaking on behalf of the sector commander of FRSC, Leye Adegboyega, Ogungbemi explained that the accident occurred at Iwo Road junction, involving a commercial DAF truck without a registration number.
According to FRSC, 17 passengers, including 15 males and 2 females, were involved, while two male adults died and others were injured.
Ogungbemi said, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the crashed truck was loaded with approximately 70 animals—including cows, goats, and sheep—as well as human passengers seated atop the animals. The vehicle was reportedly travelling from Kebbi State en route to Ikire, Osun State.
“According to statements from some of the passengers, the driver had dozed off on at least two occasions after the truck passed Osogbo. Upon reaching the Surprise Hotel area in Gbongan, the driver allegedly fell asleep again. As a result, the truck veered off the road and plunged into a roadside ditch, overturning and violently ejecting both animals and passengers,” Ogungbemi said.
She said two fatalities were recorded at the scene, while 15 other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly transported to a nearby hospital in Gbongan for medical attention.