A yet-to-be-identified person lost his life while 15 others sustained injuries of varying degrees in a road accident that occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Tuesday.
According to a traffic update report from the Commandant General of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Seni Ogunyemi, the incident happened when the driver of a Mazda bus lost control and crashed into a truck emerging from a private company onto the expressway.
Ogunyemi stated that a total of 16 people were involved in the accident, which included eight adult males and eight adult females. The vehicles involved were a FAW truck with registration number MUS 641 YF and a Mazda bus with registration number APP 360 YK.
“The accident occurred today at AIM Company along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Sixteen people were involved, comprising eight adult males and eight adult females,” Ogunyemi disclosed.
He further explained that an eyewitness account suggested that the FAW truck was exiting AIM Company onto the expressway when the Mazda bus, which was reportedly speeding excessively, lost control and crashed into the truck. The impact of the collision resulted in severe injuries to the occupants of the bus.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to provide medical assistance. The injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, while one individual, who had initially been evacuated for urgent medical care, was later confirmed dead by the attending doctor.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the dangers of reckless driving and excessive speeding on Nigerian highways. Road safety officials have repeatedly warned drivers about the need to maintain moderate speeds, especially on busy expressways such as the Lagos-Ibadan route.
Reacting to the accident, Ogunyemi reiterated the importance of adhering to road safety regulations. “Drivers must always exercise caution, maintain safe speeds, and be mindful of road conditions. Loss of control at high speed significantly increases the risk of fatal accidents,” he said.
He also urged commercial drivers to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on long journeys and advised motorists to remain vigilant to avoid preventable accidents.
As investigations into the accident continue, authorities have called on all road users to prioritize safety to prevent further tragedies.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a major transit route for commuters and commercial vehicles, has been the site of frequent accidents, often attributed to reckless driving, overloading, and poor road conditions.
In the wake of this latest incident, TRACE and other traffic management agencies are expected to intensify their road safety campaigns to curb the rising cases of traffic collisions. Officials have also vowed to enforce stricter penalties for traffic violations in an effort to ensure safer roads for all.
The identity of the deceased victim has yet to be determined, while authorities are working to contact the families of the injured victims. The accident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for strict adherence to road safety measures to protect lives on Nigeria’s highways.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
