A tragic incident occurred on Saturday morning in Fakunle area of Osogbo, Osun state, as a vulcanizer, identified as Bolaji, was killed by stray tyres from an articulated vehicle. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accident happened at about 7 am, leaving many witnesses traumatized. The impact of the tyres reportedly broke the head of the deceased.
According to an eyewitness, the vulcanizer was standing in front of his stand, brushing his teeth with a chewing stick, when a woman travelling to Ore/Ondo called him for directions. As he gave the woman directions, two tyres attached to a rim bounced and knocked him down, killing him instantly. The tyres later bounced off and hit a woman selling food nearby and her daughter.
The witness and other commercial motorcyclists chased after the trailer driver, who veered into Ataoja Police Station in Osogbo, sensing danger. The driver is currently detained by the police at the station with the vehicle.
The accident left many sympathisers traumatized as they gathered to mourn the loss of the vulcanizer. The late Bolaji’s corpse was later removed by family members.
The other two persons knocked down by the tyres were taken to Osun State University Teaching Hospital, where they are currently recuperating.
The incident highlights the need for drivers and vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained to prevent accidents that can lead to the loss of lives and property. It also underscores the importance of safety precautions, such as avoiding parking or standing close to the roadside, as well as ensuring that people are not clustered around vehicles while they are being serviced or repaired.
The police have advised drivers to always exercise caution while driving and to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy. They also warned that anyone found culpable in accidents resulting in the loss of lives and property will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
The loss of Bolaji, a hardworking vulcanizer who was simply carrying out his job, is a tragedy that has left many in shock and mourning. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family and loved ones find comfort in this difficult time.