LAGOS, Nigeria – The Federal Road Safety Corps reported that multiple road crashes along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway resulted in the tragic deaths of at least five individuals on Wednesday. The FRSC Chief Route Commander, Florence Okpe, attributed the accidents to dangerous driving, which also left around 10 passengers with various injuries.
According to eyewitness Oladele Abraham, the accidents involved two trucks and a commercial bus. Abraham, a roadside mechanic in the area, recounted how the recklessness of one truck driver led to a chain reaction collision with another truck and the commercial bus. The sudden U-turn made by the truck driver going towards Ibadan caused chaos on the road, ultimately resulting in the fatal crashes.
Confirming the details, Okpe stated that a total of 15 individuals were involved in the multiple crashes, with 10 people suffering serious injuries and five losing their lives. The vehicles involved were identified as a DAF truck with registration number KUT561ZZ, a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number GGE84YF, and a Man diesel truck without a visible registration number.
Okpe emphasized that the cause of the crash was attributed to dangerous driving practices, particularly the sudden U-turn made without warning, leading to a loss of control for both the truck and the commercial bus. The injured victims were promptly taken to Famobi Hospital Mowe, while the deceased were transported to Idera Hospital morgue sagamu. A combined rescue operation involving the FRSC, police, and other agencies was on-site to manage the situation.
The Sector Commander urged motorists to prioritize safety by avoiding speeding and driving defensively to prevent further tragedies. Stricter measures and prosecution will be implemented for drivers involved in crashes resulting in loss of lives, serving as a deterrent for others. The ongoing concerns regarding road safety along the corridor axis highlight the importance of responsible driving practices to ensure the well-being of all road users.