Tragedy: 10 killed, six injured in Ogun auto crash

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

No fewer than 10 persons lost their lives, while six others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a fatal road crash that occurred on Sunday night at Sapade Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.

The incident was confirmed by the Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Education Officer, Superintendent Route Commander Afolabi Odunsi.

According to the statement, the crash occurred at about 8:05 p.m. and involved a white Sinotruk (CNHTC) Dangote truck with an unknown registration number and a white Toyota Hiace bus bearing registration number EKY 290 YM.

Odunsi said 18 persons were involved in the accident, comprising 15 adult males, two adult females and one male child.

He disclosed that 10 victims — nine adult males and one male child — died in the crash, while six others, including four adult males and two adult females, sustained injuries. Two adult male occupants escaped unhurt.

The FRSC attributed the crash to speed violation, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving.

According to the statement, preliminary findings showed that the truck driver allegedly reversed on the highway after missing his route, creating a dangerous obstruction for oncoming vehicles.

“The truck driver reportedly reversed on the highway after missing his direction, while the approaching bus, travelling at high speed, attempted to navigate through the limited space available and rammed into the truck,” the statement said.

The FRSC said its rescue team promptly arrived at the scene and evacuated the injured victims to Victory Hospital, Ogere, for treatment, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at FOS Mortuary, Ipara.

It added that officers of the Nigeria Police Force from the Ishara Division took custody of the accident vehicles pending further investigation and evacuation from the crash scene.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, commiserated with the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of the deceased. We also wish those receiving treatment a quick recovery,” Ogunjobi said.

The sector commander warned motorists, particularly commercial drivers and truck operators, against reversing on highways, excessive speeding and other dangerous driving practices.

“Motorists, especially commercial drivers and truck operators, must avoid reversing on highways, excessive speeding, dangerous driving and other traffic violations that continue to claim innocent lives. Missing a route is never an excuse for endangering other road users,” he said.

Ogunjobi also urged drivers to obey traffic regulations, maintain safe speeds and make use of designated turning points whenever they miss their routes, stressing that strict compliance with traffic laws remains essential to reducing road crashes and preventing avoidable loss of lives on the nation’s highways.