A commercial tricycle passenger was killed on Monday in a road accident involving a truck and a tricycle along the Okaka section of Melford Okilo Road in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. near Okaka Primary School and triggered a confrontation between an angry crowd and security officials over the circumstances surrounding the crash.
An official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who spoke anonymously, said personnel stationed in the area observed a Dangote truck allegedly speeding before it rammed into a tricycle in a built-up area, crushing a passenger who had fallen from the vehicle.
However, eyewitnesses claimed the tricycle rider was stopped by FRSC officials for allegedly carrying a passenger on the front seat. They alleged that during the ensuing altercation, a cement-laden articulated truck struck the tricycle, causing the passenger to fall and be crushed.
The incident drew a large crowd, with some tricycle operators reportedly attempting to attack a tow truck team they believed was responsible. Police dispersed the crowd, while the military was later involved in tracking the fleeing truck driver. The truck was recovered and taken to the state police headquarters.
Bayelsa State Police spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway.
