Tragedy struck in Ibadan on Monday when a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was crushed to death by an articulated vehicle on Parliament Road near Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

The incident, which occurred near Agodi Gardens, also left multiple vehicles damaged and several people with varying degrees of injury.

It was reported that the driver had earlier crushed several vehicles around the Sango area and was allegedly attempting to escape. Before reaching Agodi Gardens, he struggled to manoeuvre the long truck, which belongs to a Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company based in the capital city.

An eyewitness said the affected vehicles and Corps members killed were by the roadside in front of Agodi Gardens, where the truck subsequently rammed a motorcycle carrying the Corps member, as well as people seated in the car.

“The truck driver had reportedly hit several vehicles around Sango before proceeding towards Agodi.

“The truck eventually hit the motorcycle, killing the Corps member, while several other people sustained injuries,” the eyewitness said.

The truck, which was coming from the Oyo State government Secretariat en route to the Dandaru axis, crushed victims crossing to the other side of the road before ramming into the fence of the University College Hospital (UCH).

The Corps member was said to be seated on the motorcycle, allegedly waiting for another passenger and the operator to commence the journey before the tragic incident.

The press could not ascertain the Corps member’s identity at the time, as only his uniformed cap and boot offered a clue.

It also could not immediately be verified where the Corps member was coming from or heading before the incident.

Immediately after the incident, passersby, particularly motorcycle operators who escaped unhurt, stormed the scene, dragged out the driver and beat him severely.

The accident disrupted traffic around the affected areas, forcing motorists to divert as emergency responders moved to the scene.

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel confirmed they had taken the injured victims to nearby hospitals for treatment.

It was also unclear whether the authorities had arrested the truck driver or what caused the initial collisions.

Further details about the incident were awaited as authorities were expected to establish the circumstances that led to the fatal crash. (The Nation, but headline rejigged)