Brake Failure Triggers Fatal Crash in Akure, Claims Two Brothers

Two brothers lost their lives on Wednesday in a tragic road accident at the Ijapo area of Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The crash involved a speeding tipper truck, a Nissan car with registration number Ondo WWW 322 TA, and a motorcycle. Two other persons sustained injuries in the incident, which occurred directly in front of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) headquarters, where officials were carrying out routine checks.

According to eyewitnesses, the truck suffered a brake failure, ramming into the car and the motorcycle before crushing the two brothers who were riding on the bike. They died instantly.

A commercial driver, whose vehicle was also badly damaged, narrowly escaped death. He recounted that he had parked to deliver goods when he suddenly heard people shouting. Upon looking back, he saw the tipper clearing vehicles and motorcycles, forcing him to flee for his life. He added that the truck crushed the two men on the motorcycle on the spot.

The arrival of police officers prevented angry residents from attacking VIO officials, whom some locals believed contributed to the accident.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Samuel Ibitoye, stated that brake failure was the direct cause of the crash. He noted that four persons were involved in total, with two confirmed dead. He added that the corpses had been deposited at the Ondo State Hospital Mortuary by police personnel.

The state police command also confirmed the fatal incident. Its Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, explained that preliminary investigations showed the tipper truck collided with the motorcycle and the Nissan vehicle from the rear. The motorcycle rider and his passenger were rushed to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Akure, where doctors confirmed them dead.

Jimoh further stated that some angry youths attempted to attack VIO officers at the scene, but police operatives acted promptly and professionally to prevent a breakdown of law and order. The remains of the deceased have been deposited in the hospital morgue, while the damaged vehicles and motorcycle have been recovered to the station for safekeeping and further inspection.

This incident comes just two days after a separate crash in Plateau State, where a trailer and a Toyota Corolla collided at Kwang community in Jos South Local Government Area, leaving two people dead and three others injured.