By Correspondent in Lokoja.
What could have been a devastating tragedy turned into a scene of divine intervention on Friday evening when a cement-laden truck lost its brake and plunged into a ditch along the busy IBB Way in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, north Central Nigeria.
Our gathered that the incident, which occurred around 6:10 p.m., caused panic among motorists and pedestrians, but miraculously, no life was lost.
Eyewitnesses further told The Reporters told that the truck was ascending the steep slope from the Zone 8 roundabout towards the Army Signal junction when its brake suddenly failed.
In a swift and desperate move to avoid colliding with oncoming vehicles, the driver, Abdullahi Mohammed, steered the truck across the road’s median and crashed into a ditch in front of the popular Osese Restaurant, near the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) office.
“It was a miracle. The truck was heading straight towards a congregation of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), whose members had parked their vehicles for a crusade nearby.
“Suddenly, it veered off and plunged into the ditch instead. Many lives were spared,one of the eyewitnesses, Mr.Ademoye, told our correspondent in an interview at the scene of the accident.
The owner of Osese Restaurant, Hon. Osese Segun Ajijola, commended the driver’s calmness and courage.
“The driver acted fast and wisely. It’s nothing short of a miracle that no one was hurt,” he said.
The relieved driver, Abdullahi Mohammed, also thanked God for saving lives.
“My truck failed brake while climbing the hill and started rolling back fast. I just prayed and turned it to the other lane. I thank God that no life was lost,” he said.
Other people at the scene,while reacting to the development said the accident, which drew a large crowd to the scene, has once again highlighted the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and the crucial role of alertness and skill, by drivers, in preventing road tragedies.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
