TRAGEDY IN JALINGO AS SPEEDING TIPPER TRUCK K!LLS TRADERS, SHOPPERS AT MILE 6 MARKET
A devastating accident shook the city of Jalingo, Taraba State, on Friday, June 27, when a tipper truck loaded with shaft sand lost control and crashed into a crowded market, leaving multiple people dead and many others injured.
The incident occurred at the bustling Mile 6 Market, a popular hub for traders and shoppers. Eyewitnesses said the truck was traveling at high speed when one of its tyres reportedly burst, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle then veered off the road and ploughed through the crowd, crushing stalls and striking 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 shocked vendor at the market told reporters.
Emergency responders, including police and medical teams, arrived promptly at the scene to assist victims. Those injured were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities have not released an official death toll, with efforts ongoing to identify the victims and inform their families.
The driver of the truck has been arrested and is currently in police custody as investigations into the incident commence.
Local officials have called for calm and assured residents that support will be provided to the families of the deceased and injured.
The tragic incident has left the Jalingo community reeling in grief, and has reignited public outcry over poor enforcement of road safety laws, particularly regarding commercial trucks operating within residential and market areas.
Calls are growing louder for the state government and federal agencies to implement stricter regulations, enforce speed limits, and ensure that heavy-duty vehicles meet proper maintenance standards before being allowed on the road.
