By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Ten people died and six others sustained injuries after a Sinotruk truck collided with a Toyota Hiace bus on Sunday night at Saapade Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. The crash occurred around 8:05 p.m. when the truck allegedly reversed after missing its route, while the speeding bus attempted to overtake through a narrow space. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) blamed the tragedy on speeding, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving.
FRSC Confirms Casualties
The spokesperson for the Ogun State FRSC Sector Command, Afolabi Odunsi, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to him, 18 people were involved in the crash. They included 15 adult males, two adult females and one male child.
Odunsi said 10 victims died at the scene. The deceased comprised nine adult males and one male child.
He added that six people, including four adult males and two adult females, sustained varying degrees of injuries. Meanwhile, two adult males escaped unhurt.
What Caused the Ogun Road Crash?
According to the FRSC, preliminary investigations identified speed violation, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving as the major causes of the accident.
Odunsi explained that the truck driver allegedly reversed on the expressway after missing his direction.
However, the approaching Toyota Hiace bus travelled at high speed and attempted to squeeze through the limited space. It eventually rammed into the reversing truck.
Rescue Operation and Traffic Situation
FRSC rescue personnel responded quickly to the emergency.
The team evacuated the injured victims to Victory Hospital, Ogere, for treatment.
They also deposited the bodies of the deceased at FOS Mortuary, Ipara.
Furthermore, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Ishara Division, took custody of the damaged vehicles. Authorities later cleared the wreckage, restoring the free flow of traffic along the highway.
FRSC Urges Motorists to Follow Traffic Rules
The Ogun State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones.
He also wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.
Ogunjobi urged motorists, especially commercial drivers and truck operators, to avoid reversing on highways, speeding and dangerous driving.
He stressed that drivers should obey traffic regulations, maintain safe speeds and use designated turning points whenever they miss their routes.
According to him, these simple precautions can prevent avoidable road crashes and save lives on Nigeria’s highways.
Similar Fatal Crash in Lagos
The latest tragedy comes weeks after another fatal road accident in Lagos State.
In May, a dispatch rider died after colliding with a containerised articulated truck along the Ilupeju Bypass. According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the rider reportedly struggled for the right of way with a commercial minibus, popularly known as a Korope, before the fatal collision.
