Tragedy struck in Jalingo, Taraba State capital, on Friday, June 27, when a tipper truck loaded with shaft sand lost control and rammed into a crowd of traders and shoppers at the bustling Mile 6 Market, leaving several people dead and many others injured.
Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred after one of the truck’s tyres burst while it was travelling at high speed, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The truck veered off the road and ploughed into the busy market, crushing unsuspecting victims.
“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 vendor recounted in shock.
Emergency responders, including police officers and medical personnel, arrived promptly at the scene to assist victims. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, while authorities cordoned off the area to manage the chaos.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed. Officials say efforts are ongoing to identify the victims and notify their families.
The driver of the ill-fated vehicle has been arrested and is currently in police custody as investigations into the incident continue.
Authorities have called for calm and promised to support the victims and their families.