The people of Ogun State, on Friday night, were thrown agony when a Dangote Cement truck lost control and rammed into a tricycle, killing all five occupants instantly. The accident occurred around 8:30 p.m. at the Alapoka area along the Papalanto–Ilaro Road in Yewa South Local Government Area.
According to the spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, the fatal crash was caused by a brake failure on the Dangote truck, identified with registration number GRZ 767 XA. The tricycle, which was reportedly unregistered, was carrying five passengers who all died on the spot.
Akinbiyi explained that preliminary investigations indicated the truck’s brakes failed suddenly as it descended a slope, causing it to veer uncontrollably into the tricycle. “The accident was avoidable, but the driver lost control due to mechanical failure. Unfortunately, all the occupants of the tricycle were killed instantly,” he said
Eyewitnesses told reporters that the collision was so severe that the tricycle was completely crushed under the truck’s weight. Panic gripped the community as residents gathered at the scene, with some attempting to attack rescue officials. The intervention of security operatives, including members of the Amotekun Corps, was said to have restored calm.
Officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and TRACE later recovered the remains of the victims, which were taken to the morgue of the General Hospital, Ilaro. The wreckage of both vehicles was also removed to clear the busy road for traffic flow.
This latest tragedy has sparked outrage among locals, who decried the recurring cases of fatal accidents involving trucks linked to the Dangote Group. Community leaders have called on the state government to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the victims’ families receive justice.
In recent months, Ogun State has recorded a disturbing rise in deadly road crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles, prompting calls for stricter vehicle inspection and maintenance standards across transport companies operating in the region.
TRACE urged motorists to ensure regular vehicle checks and avoid night journeys, stressing that mechanical negligence remains a leading cause of road fatalities in the state.
“We commiserate with the families of the deceased and appeal to transport operators, especially heavy truck owners, to prioritise maintenance to prevent future occurrences,” Akinbiyi added.