A tipper truck loaded with shaft sand lost control and ploughed into the bustling Mile 6 Market in Jalingo on Friday, killing several people and injuring many others.
Eyewitnesses said the tragedy occurred when one of the truck’s tyres reportedly burst while it was travelling at high speed, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle veered off the road and slammed into the crowded marketplace.
“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 told The Guardian.
Emergency responders, including police officers and medical teams, arrived promptly to rescue victims and rush the injured to nearby hospitals. However, authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties, as efforts continue to identify victims and inform their families.
The driver of the truck, was said to have been arrested and is in police custody for further investigation.
Local officials have appealed for calm and pledged support for those affected. The incident has sent shockwaves through Jalingo, reigniting calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies.