A devastating road accident claimed the lives of nine passengers and left three others injured in the early hours of Monday along the Ayetoro axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the fatal incident, attributing it to excessive speed and driver fatigue.
According to the FRSC’s Chief Route Commander and Public Education Officer, Florence Okpe, a total of 13 people—10 men and three women—were involved in the crash. Tragically, nine individuals lost their lives (six men and three women), while three sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The accident involved two vehicles: a Toyota Hiace bus (registration number UYY165ZY) and a truck (registration number DKA244XC). Preliminary reports suggest that the bus driver, likely fatigued and speeding, lost control and crashed into the stationary truck.
Emergency responders swiftly transported the injured victims to Famobis Hospital in Mowe for urgent medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at Idera Morgue in Sagamu.
In a statement issued from Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the Sector Commander expressed deep concern over the persistent recklessness of some drivers who ignore speed limits and fail to take mandatory rest breaks during long journeys.
“The Sector Commander is pained by the continued disregard for safety regulations, particularly the refusal of drivers to observe the stipulated 15-minute rest after every four-hour journey,” the statement read.
While extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the FRSC has urged relatives of the victims to visit the Mowe Unit Command for further information. The tragic incident serves as yet another stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the urgent need for stricter adherence to road safety measures.
PIONEER NEWS 