No fewer than five people were feared dead on Saturday after a diesel tanker reportedly lost control and crushed four commercial Nissan Micra cars along the Iwo Road–Ojoo Expressway in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The accident occurred at Aduloju Bus Stop, opposite Dominion City, and left the vehicles badly mangled.

Preliminary reports attributed to the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority indicated that the tanker driver lost control of the articulated vehicle while travelling at high speed.

Brake failure was suspected to have caused the truck to veer into the commercial cars, crushing them in the process.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, saying some people rushed to rescue passengers trapped in the wreckage before the arrival of emergency responders.

One eyewitness said the tanker suddenly swerved into the cars, leaving their occupants with little opportunity to escape.

Officials of OYRTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps and the police were reportedly deployed to the scene to coordinate rescue operations, maintain order and manage traffic.

Emergency responders also worked to clear the wreckage and prevent further danger to road users.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no confirmed official figure for the fatalities. The identities of the victims and the number of injured persons were also yet to be established.

Motorists plying the Iwo Road–Ojoo axis were advised to exercise caution and observe speed limits. (Guardian)