No fewer than 10 persons have been confirmed dead, while six others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a fatal road crash that occurred on Sunday night at Saapade Bridge along the Ibadan–Lagos Expressway in Ogun State.
The crash, which occurred at about 8:05 p.m., involved a white Sinotruk (CNHTC) truck and a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number EKY 290 YM.
The spokesperson for the Ogun Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Afolabi Odunsi, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.
Odunsi said 18 persons were involved in the crash, comprising 15 adult males, two adult females and one male child.
He disclosed that 10 victims — nine adult males and one male child — lost their lives, while six others, including four adult males and two adult females, sustained varying degrees of injuries. Two adult males escaped unhurt.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the crash resulted from speeding, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving.
He said, “A total of 18 persons were involved in the crash, comprising 15 adult males, 2 adult females and 1 male child. Sadly, 10 persons lost their lives, comprising 9 adult males and 1 male child, while 6 persons (4 adult males and 2 adult females) sustained varying degrees of injuries. Two adult males escaped unhurt.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the crash was caused by speed violation (SPV), wrongful overtaking (WOV) and dangerous driving (DGD).
“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.”
Odunsi added that FRSC rescue operatives promptly responded to the scene and evacuated the injured victims to Victory Hospital, Ogere, for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at FOS Mortuary, Ipara.
He said personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Ishara Division, had taken custody of the crashed vehicles, while arrangements had been made to evacuate them from the scene.
According to him, the obstruction has been cleared and normal traffic flow restored on the highway.
Reacting to the incident, the Ogun FRSC Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, commiserated with the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He cautioned motorists, particularly commercial drivers and truck operators, against reversing on highways, excessive speeding, dangerous driving and other traffic violations.
Ogunjobi also urged road users to obey traffic regulations, maintain safe speeds and make use of designated turning points whenever they miss their routes, stressing that such precautions could help prevent avoidable tragedies on the nation’s highways.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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