Two persons have died, and six others injured after a car crushed a bike rider (Keke man), a woman and other market persons who were offloading tomatoes this Wednesday July 17, 2024 at about 6:15 am Cameroon time at the Great Soppo Market in Buea, South West Region of Cameroon.
The Black Vehicle branded MARK X, left Molyko at about 6am on top speed ascending towards the great Soppo market, where it slipped off the road and crushed these persons who had turned out early in the Market for business.
Eye witnesses reported that, the driver upon approaching the market area, failed brakes, lost control and batched on a tricycle that was stationed on the other side of the road, offloading tomatoes.
The vehicle further rolled on several individuals before catching breath against trees found on the side of the road.
Report suggests that, at least two persons have lost their lives and about six others injured and are receiving medical attention at the Buea Regional Hospital
The Buea Great Soppo Market is located just opposite the popular vocational training centre – OIC. This market has been a major area where people around the Soppo neighbourhood depend for daily purchase of foodstuffs. For many years now, the market vendors have decided to extend their market activities closer to the main highway, posing serious danger to themselves, buyers and other road users.
Buea council has done very little to curb and control these illegal activities carried out by market vendors and also to caution the city drivers of their reckless driving.
Speed control has been totally neglected by council authority, leaving denizens of the area to carry their lives in their own hands. This accident is just one of the many accidents which have occurred in recent times within the Buea Municipality.
The Buea authority must derive serious measures to increasing circular roads within the town and to ensure that road users ply the road danger free.
Road users on their part, should avoid reckless behaviours which put to test their lives and the lives of others.
In the Car, were three persons: two boys and a girl.
On the microphones of Dream FM, Chief of Great Soppo Buea, HRH Etina Monono reiterated that he will work in collaboration with other city stakeholders to tighten measures so as to prevent this kind of incident which he confirmed is the third to have happened. This is the voice of Chief Etina Monono
The Mayor of Buea council Mr David Mafany Namange Esquire two weeks ago visited the Great Soppo market and had this to say ” Two weeks ago, I pleaded with the vendors to leave and go to the central market because of the risk of being involved in an accident. I remember reminding one of them who said that it would reduce their sales. It is better to see them alive than dead with money in their accounts. Last week we did a seizure of things and the people went back. This time we are going to be harder on the implementation of the measures. We pray that those in the hospitals are stabilized”
