Many Feared Dead As Truck Rams Into Market (photos)

A devastating accident occurred on Friday, June 27, at the Mile 6 Market in Jalingo, when a tipper truck loaded with shaft sand lost control and crashed into a crowded marketplace, leaving multiple people dead and several others severely injured, Newspremises reports.

Eyewitnesses at the scene described the horrifying moment the truck, reportedly travelling at high speed, experienced a tyre blowout, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. In a matter of seconds, the truck veered off the road and ploughed directly into traders and shoppers gathered in the bustling market area.

“It happened so fast. The truck was speeding, and after the tyre burst, the driver couldn’t steer. It just rammed into people,” recounted a shocked local vendor.

Emergency Services Respond Swiftly

The impact of the crash caused chaos and panic as market-goers scrambled for safety. Police officers, emergency responders, and medical personnel arrived promptly at the scene to administer first aid and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Several victims were reportedly in critical condition as of Friday evening.

While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed at the time of this report, rescue efforts are ongoing. Authorities are working to identify the deceased and notify their families, while providing support to those hospitalized.

Driver in Custody as Investigation Begins

According to sources from The Guardian, the driver of the truck has been arrested and is currently in police custody. He is expected to assist investigators in determining the precise cause of the crash and whether negligence or mechanical failure played a role in the tragic event.

Government Calls for Calm and Action on Road Safety

Local officials have urged residents of Jalingo to remain calm and assured the public that the government will support families affected by the tragedy. The incident has reignited conversations around road safety enforcement, especially regarding heavy-duty vehicles operating in urban and high-traffic zones.

Residents and advocacy groups are calling on transport authorities and road safety agencies to implement stricter regulations and conduct regular inspections of commercial trucks to prevent similar disasters in the future.

Community in Mourning

The Mile 6 Market, one of Jalingo’s busiest commercial hubs, remained somber in the aftermath of the tragedy. Many shop owners closed their stalls in solidarity with victims, while community leaders offered prayers and called for better infrastructure and traffic control around densely populated market areas.

As the city grapples with the emotional and physical toll of the incident, the need for urgent action on road safety and driver accountability becomes more pressing.