A potential tragedy was narrowly averted on Thursday morning at the Okitipupa main market road in Ondo State after a trailer reportedly suffered brake failure and veered off course.
Eyewitnesses said the trailer driver, upon realizing that his brakes had failed, began shouting for help as he approached the busy market area. In a desperate bid to prevent a mass casualty incident, the driver deliberately swerved into a stationary trailer parked by the roadside — a move many have described as a “miracle of wisdom.”
“It could have been a massacre,” said a trader who witnessed the incident. “People were shouting and running. The driver kept yelling ‘brake failed!’ but instead of driving straight into the market crowd, he used his head and aimed for the parked trailer.”
Although the impact caused significant damage to nearby shops, the number of casualties was limited. One man reportedly sustained severe injuries, with his leg critically damaged, while several others suffered varying degrees of injury.
Emergency responders and sympathizers quickly arrived at the scene to provide assistance to the injured, while local authorities worked to restore order and remove the wreckage.
Residents and traders praised the driver’s quick thinking, crediting him with saving many lives.
“If not for the way he handled it, we would be counting bodies now,” said another eyewitness. “God really helped us this morning.”
As of press time, the injured were receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, and authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the cause of the brake failure.
The incident has reignited calls for stricter roadworthiness checks on heavy-duty vehicles, especially those operating in crowded urban areas.
