Many feared dead as truck crashes into market in Taraba

Some traders and shoppers have reportedly lost their lives in an accident at the Mile 6 market in Jalingo, Taraba state.

Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication, said the accident occurred around midday on Saturday, when a tipper truck carrying sand lost control and rammed into the crowded market.

Eyewitnesses said the vehicle was travelling at high speed when one of its front tyres suddenly burst, causing the driver to lose control.

The driver, unable to regain control, swerved into the busy marketplace, crushing people and flattening stalls in its path.

“It happened so fast,” said Musa Ibrahim, a local vendor at the scene, as quoted in the report.

“The truck was on speed and after the tyre burst, the driver couldn’t control it. It just rammed into the crowd.”

According to Makama, several people sustained serious injuries while many others are feared dead.

The report added that emergency responders and security personnel arrived shortly after to rescue victims and transport them to nearby hospitals.

The remains of the deceased have also been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to identify victims and notify their families.

The report added that the truck driver has been apprehended and is currently in custody as investigations continue.