A Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) has died in a tragic road accident while carrying out official duties at Otokutu Gate in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The fatal incident, which occurred on Wednesday, July 15, threw motorists, residents and other road users into mourning as the officer reportedly died on the spot after being crushed by a moving tipper truck.
Eyewitnesses said the officer was participating in a routine vehicle enforcement exercise when he attempted to stop a heavy-duty truck. During the operation, he allegedly held onto the driver’s door of the moving vehicle, but lost his grip as the truck continued in motion before falling beneath the vehicle.
The truck reportedly ran over the officer, leaving him with fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene before emergency responders could intervene.
The incident caused panic in the area as sympathisers gathered around the scene, with many lamenting the dangers faced daily by road safety and vehicle inspection personnel while enforcing traffic regulations.
As of the time of filing this report, the identity of the deceased officer had not been officially released by the Delta State Vehicle Inspection Office.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Delta State Police Command were initially unsuccessful, while the Delta State VIO Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
However, authorities are expected to commence a full investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the tragic accident and determine whether any traffic or criminal offences were committed.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of enforcement officers operating on Nigeria’s highways and the need for motorists, particularly drivers of heavy-duty vehicles, to exercise greater caution and comply with lawful traffic directives.