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A serious road traffic accident occurred this afternoon along the New Otukpo Road in Makurdi, Benue State capital, when a 1960 model pickup van collided with a tipper truck.
According to eyewitness accounts and reports circulating on social media, the crash involved an extremely old pickup van—described as a 1960 model—that smashed into the larger tipper vehicle. Images from the scene show the vintage pickup severely mangled, with its front end crumpled beyond recognition, the cabin heavily deformed, and parts of the bodywork torn apart. The tipper truck, painted in bright orange with a blue cargo bed, appeared to have sustained front-end damage but remained largely intact compared to the smaller vehicle.
The accident took place in broad daylight, drawing a crowd of onlookers and residents to the scene. While the exact cause remains under investigation, preliminary observations point to the significant age and condition of the pickup van as potential contributing factors, alongside possible issues of visibility, braking efficiency, or driver error common in collisions involving heavy and light vehicles.
Details regarding injuries or fatalities have not been confirmed in initial reports. Emergency responders and traffic officials were said to have arrived at the location to manage the scene, secure the area, and assist any affected individuals.
The incident has once again highlighted ongoing road safety concerns along major routes in Makurdi, including the New Otukpo Road, which serves as a key artery connecting parts of the city and linking to surrounding communities. Older vehicles, poor road conditions in some sections, and heavy truck traffic continue to pose risks for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Local authorities are expected to conduct a formal investigation into the crash to determine the precise circumstances and prevent similar occurrences in the future. Motorists using the route have been advised to exercise extra caution, especially during peak hours when commercial and heavy-duty vehicles are more prevalent.
