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An unidentified motorcyclist lost his life in a fatal accident involving a Dangote truck along a road leading to the neighbouring community in Oye Ekiti on Monday afternoon. The tragic incident occurred shortly after 3:00 p.m. and drew residents to the scene in shock and grief. Eyewitnesses attributed the crash to a suspected brake failure as the truck descended a steep section of the road, although this had not been officially confirmed at the time of filing this report.
The Scene Upon arrival at the scene, cement was scattered across parts of the roadside, sending dust into the air. Only a few people were present, discussing the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Some residents expressed grief over the incident, while others directed their anger at passing truck drivers. They alleged that some drivers responded with curses instead of sympathy for the deceased.
The motorcycle remained trapped beneath the truck and was severely damaged. The front of the truck had crashed into a nearby steel fence, bearing visible signs of the impact. Residents said the victim had already been taken to a mortuary before this reporter arrived at the scene.
How It Started The reporter arrived at the scene hours after the incident, meaning that details contained in this report are based on eyewitness accounts and observations. The name of the deceased was not obtained due to the tense and grief-stricken atmosphere at the scene.
The victim was said to be from Ilupeju, a neighbouring community to Oye, and reportedly worked in Oye. The accident occurred at a junction leading to the CBT centre, where 100- and 200-level students of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) sit for computer-based tests.
Eyewitnesses said the motorcyclist died at the spot, while the truck driver and any other occupants were said to be unhurt. Clear signs of the crash were visible, including a damaged CBT signpost and the position of the truck, which lay on its side with its cargo of cement spilled along the roadside.
According to some accounts, the motorcyclist reportedly noticed the approaching truck and attempted to move aside, unaware that the truck was allegedly experiencing brake failure. However, another eyewitness, a mechanic operating a roadside workshop, gave a different account, stating that the truck driver attempted to avoid hitting vehicles on the same lane. He said the truck, descending a single-lane road, lost control and struck the motorcyclist with force.
The victim was reportedly rushed to a nearby hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival. The motorcycle remained trapped beneath the truck and was completely damaged. The truck driver had left the scene before the reporter’s arrival.
About The Road The road is a federal highway that connects several communities and states. It links Ilupeju to Oye, with the ill-fated truck reportedly coming from the Ilupeju axis.
Eyewitnesses and residents described parts of the road as steep and downhill, a condition they say makes it difficult for heavy-duty vehicles, especially trucks, to maintain control. One witness at the scene stated that once such vehicles lose grip on the slope, it becomes difficult for drivers to regain control.
Another resident referenced the frequency of accidents along the road, attributing many of them to its condition and the heavy movement of vehicles along the narrow stretch.
The incident has once again drawn attention to road safety concerns in the area, with residents expressing concern over the state of the highway and its impact on commuters and nearby communities.