At least 10 people lost their lives while six others sustained injuries in a tragic road crash that occurred on Sunday night at Sapade Bridge along the Ibadan to Lagos expressway in Ogun State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogun Sector Command, confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Public Education Officer, Superintendent Route Commander Afolabi Odunsi.
According to the statement, the crash happened around 8:05 p.m. and involved a white Sinotruk Dangote truck with no confirmed registration number and a white Toyota Hiace bus marked EKY 290 YM.
The FRSC said 18 people were involved in the accident, made up of 15 adult men, two adult women and one male child. Out of the number, 10 victims, including nine adult men and the male child, were killed. Six others, made up of four adult men and two adult women, suffered varying degrees of injuries, while two adult male passengers escaped unhurt.
Preliminary findings by the corps linked the crash to speed violation, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving. It added that the truck driver allegedly reversed on the highway after missing his route, creating a serious hazard for other motorists.
According to the FRSC, the bus, which was said to be travelling at high speed, tried to pass through the narrow space left on the road and ended up crashing into the truck.
“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 arrived at the scene and moved the injured victims to Victory Hospital, Ogere, for treatment, while the remains of those who died were deposited at FOS Mortuary in Ipara.
The corps added that officers of the Nigeria Police Force from the Ishara Division took custody of the damaged vehicles, while steps were taken to remove them from the scene.
Reacting to the incident, the Ogun Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, sympathised with the families of the deceased and wished those receiving treatment a quick recovery.
He also warned motorists, especially commercial drivers and truck operators, against reversing on highways and engaging in other dangerous traffic practices.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of the deceased. We also wish those receiving treatment a quick recovery,” Ogunjobi said.
He stressed that missing a route should never be an excuse for actions that put other road users at risk, adding that excessive speed, dangerous driving and other traffic violations continue to claim innocent lives on the nation’s roads.
The sector commander further advised motorists to obey traffic rules, maintain safe speed limits and make use of approved turning points whenever they miss their route, noting that strict compliance with road safety regulations remains key to reducing avoidable crashes and preventing needless deaths on the highways.
