No fewer than 10 people have lost their lives, while six others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a tragic road crash involving a truck and a commercial bus along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway in Ogun State.
The fatal accident occurred at about 8:05 p.m. on Sunday at Saapade Bridge, a busy section of the expressway that has witnessed several road crashes over the years.
The crash involved a white Sinotruk (CNHTC) truck and a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus with registration number EKY 290 YM.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Sector Command, confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Florence Afolabi Odunsi.
According to the statement, 18 people were involved in the accident, including 15 adult males, two adult females and one male child.
The FRSC said 10 of the victims died at the scene or shortly after the crash. The deceased comprised nine adult males and one male child.
Six other passengers, including four adult males and two adult females, suffered varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment, while two adult males escaped the crash without injuries.
The road safety agency blamed the crash on excessive speeding, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving.
It said preliminary findings showed that the truck driver had missed his route and attempted to reverse on the highway, creating a dangerous situation for other road users.
According to the FRSC, the approaching Toyota Hiace bus was travelling at high speed and tried to pass through the narrow space left by the reversing truck but crashed into it.
Odunsi explained that the combination of poor driving decisions by both drivers resulted in the fatal collision.
“A total of 18 persons were involved in the crash, comprising 15 adult males, two adult females and one male child. Sadly, 10 persons lost their lives, comprising nine adult males and one male child, while six persons, including four adult males and two adult females, sustained varying degrees of injuries. Two adult males escaped unhurt.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the crash was caused by speed violation, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving.
“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 responded quickly after receiving information about the crash.
Rescue operatives evacuated the injured victims to Victory Hospital, Ogere, where they are receiving medical attention.
The bodies of those who died were deposited at the FOS Mortuary in Ipara.
The agency added that officers of the Nigeria Police Force from the Ishara Division took custody of the damaged vehicles, while arrangements were made to remove them from the road.
Following the evacuation exercise, normal traffic was restored on the expressway.
The Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, expressed sadness over the loss of lives and sympathised with the families of the deceased.
He also wished those receiving treatment a speedy recovery.
Ogunjobi urged motorists, especially commercial drivers and truck operators, to avoid dangerous driving practices that continue to claim lives on Nigerian roads.
He specifically warned against reversing on highways after missing a route, describing the act as highly dangerous and capable of causing fatal crashes.
The sector commander also advised motorists to avoid speeding and wrongful overtaking, stressing that many crashes could be prevented if drivers obeyed traffic regulations.
He reminded road users that designated turning points and interchanges exist for drivers who miss their exits or intended routes.
According to him, taking unnecessary risks to save a few minutes on the road often leads to avoidable tragedies.
He called on transport companies to ensure their drivers receive regular safety training and comply with traffic regulations at all times.
Road safety experts have repeatedly identified speeding, dangerous overtaking and reckless driving as some of the leading causes of road crashes in Nigeria.
The FRSC has continued to carry out public enlightenment campaigns across the country to encourage motorists to drive responsibly and observe speed limits.
Despite these efforts, fatal crashes involving commercial buses and heavy-duty trucks remain common on major highways, especially along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.
The expressway serves as a major link between Lagos and many states in the South-West, North-Central and northern parts of the country. Thousands of commercial and private vehicles use the road daily, making strict compliance with traffic rules essential for public safety.
Road safety stakeholders have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improved driver education and regular inspection of commercial vehicles to reduce accidents.
They have also urged transport unions and fleet operators to monitor their drivers and discourage practices such as speeding, dangerous overtaking, overloading and driving while fatigued.
Sunday’s crash adds to the growing number of fatal road accidents recorded across the country in recent months, once again highlighting the need for greater caution among motorists.
The FRSC has appealed to all road users to prioritise safety at all times, noting that simple decisions such as maintaining safe speeds, avoiding risky overtaking and using approved turning points can save lives.