More outrage in Epe over killings caused by trailer accident

MORE people have come out to commiserate with the people of Epe town in Lagos State over Monday’s trailer accident which claimed yet to be ascertained number of lives.

Though a government agency had put the number of the dead at three, residents of the town, while disputing the figures, shared with the Nigerian Tribune pictures and videos of people crushed to death inside Keke Marwa, cars and under the trailer.

The accident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, was greeted with pandemonium and wailings as people ran helter-skelter in search of loved ones while many parents rushed to various schools to ascertain the safety of their children.

The trailer which was carrying cement, lost control and crashed into vehicles and buildings at the busy Ayetoro market. The market is a transit point to towns and villages outside Epe. Vehicles going to Ore and Ijebu Ode are also boarded in the area.

On Monday, many indigenes of Epe used their social media platforms to commiserate with the victims as they portrayed various messages such as ‘Black Monday in Epe!

Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu in a message he sent out said, “I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences in light of the tragic traffic accident that occurred in the Ayetoro area of Epe, Lagos State on Monday.

“With deep sorrow, I extend my sympathies to the families of those affected. I also pray for the departed souls and for the speedy recovery of those injured.

May the families find solace in the love and support surrounding them, and may the cherished memories of the loved ones bring them some comfort as they navigate their grief.”

Ex-Governor Akinwumi Ambode, who is an indigene of the town, in his condolence message said: “It is with deep sense of sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their loved ones in the accident. I equally pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured and for God’s healing hands to be upon them. May Epe community come together in love to heal from this tragedy.”

Senator Tokunbo Abiru representing Lagos East senatorial district, described the incident as “deeply unfortunate and devastating.”

Honourable Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe constituency, wondered why the trailer had to pass through the hilly part of the town and was overloaded. He alleged that the trailer was carrying 300 extra bags of cement instead of just 600 bags. He also alleged that scores of people were killed in the accident.

In his condolence message, Honourable Segun Olulade, a former member of the Lagos state House of Assembly prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed.

The Stallion Circle of Epe through its general secretary, Alhaji Olalekan Edu commiserated with those who lost loved ones in the accident, members of the community, the entire local government, sons and daughters based home and abroad. It prayed for the quick healing of those injured and that such incident will be the last of in the town.

Also, Epe Ogunmodede Club, in a message signed by the president, Barrister Omodele Ibrahim, extended
“heartfelt condolences to grieving families and suggested speed-breakers, iron guardrails to forestall future accidents.”