Seven people were killed and two others injured in a multiple road crash involving three vehicles around Kara on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, in the early hours of Monday.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogun State Sector Command, confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Superintendent Route Commander Afolabi Odunsi.
According to the FRSC, the crash occurred at about 12:03 am and involved three vehicles: a white HOWO CNG/CIMC ENRIC truck, a white MACK trailer and a Mitsubishi Canter with registration number JJJ920YA.
The nine people involved in the crash were all male.
The road safety agency said seven of the victims died in the crash, while two others sustained injuries and were taken to a medical facility for treatment.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the dangers posed by speeding, especially on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of the busiest highways in Nigeria.
The FRSC said its Ibafo Outpost Command received information about the crash at about 12:04 am, barely a minute after it occurred.
Its personnel arrived at the scene at about 12:09 am to begin rescue and recovery operations.
“Preliminary information indicates that nine persons, all male, were involved in the crash. Sadly, seven persons were killed, while two persons sustained injuries,” the statement said.
The corps classified the incident as a fatal multiple road traffic crash.
Although investigations are still ongoing, the FRSC identified a speed violation as the probable cause of the crash.
The agency, however, stressed that the finding was subject to further investigation.
The remains of the deceased victims were evacuated from the scene by the Ogun State Ambulance Service.
The injured victims were also rescued and taken to a medical facility where they received treatment.
The FRSC said the vehicles involved in the crash were later handed over to the Motor Traffic Division of the Nigeria Police Force, Ibafo, for further necessary action.
The Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, expressed sadness over the incident and warned motorists to take road safety rules seriously.
He particularly urged drivers of articulated vehicles to avoid excessive speed and maintain safe following distances.
“Motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, should avoid excessive speed, maintain safe following distances and remain vigilant at all times,” Ogunjobi said.
He also advised motorists to exercise greater caution when driving at night.
According to him, poor visibility and fatigue can increase the risk of road crashes, particularly when drivers fail to adjust their speed to road and weather conditions.
Night travel is common on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway because of the importance of the route to commercial and passenger traffic between Lagos and other parts of the country.
The highway is one of Nigeria’s major transport corridors, carrying thousands of vehicles daily. It is also frequently used by trucks and trailers transporting goods between Lagos ports, industrial areas and other parts of the country.
The high volume of traffic, heavy vehicles, speeding and poor driving practices have contributed to repeated crashes along some sections of the highway.
The Kara area, located close to the Lagos-Ogun boundary, is particularly busy because of the large volume of vehicles moving between Lagos and Ogun State.
The area also experiences heavy traffic at different periods, with commercial vehicles, private cars, buses and articulated trucks sharing the highway.
Road crashes remain a major cause of death and injury in Nigeria. The FRSC has repeatedly warned motorists that speeding, dangerous overtaking, fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance and failure to observe road signs are among the major factors responsible for crashes.
Excessive speed is particularly dangerous because it reduces the time available for a driver to react when another vehicle suddenly slows down, changes lane or stops.
The presence of articulated trucks on major highways has also remained a concern. Because of their size and weight, crashes involving trailers and trucks can have serious consequences for other road users.
Safety officials have therefore continued to call for greater compliance with speed limits, proper vehicle maintenance and responsible driving by truck operators.
The FRSC has also intensified public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing road crashes, especially during periods of increased travel.
Despite such efforts, fatal crashes continue to occur across the country, prompting renewed calls for motorists to exercise caution.
For the families of the seven victims of Monday’s crash, however, the warnings came too late.
The Ogun State Sector Commander commiserated with the families of the deceased and wished the two injured victims a speedy recovery.
The latest crash adds to the long list of fatal incidents recorded on Nigerian highways and highlights the need for motorists to take greater responsibility for road safety.
The FRSC urged motorists to avoid rushing, keep a safe distance from other vehicles and remain alert throughout their journeys.
Drivers were also reminded that night driving requires extra care because reduced visibility can make it difficult to identify hazards, while fatigue can affect concentration and reaction time.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the Kara crash, the FRSC said motorists must learn from the incident and avoid behaviours that could put their lives and those of other road users at risk.
The agency’s warning is particularly important for drivers of heavy-duty vehicles, who must ensure that their speed and driving patterns are appropriate for the road conditions.
For now, seven families are mourning the loss of their loved ones, while two other victims are recovering from injuries sustained in the crash.
The incident serves as another grim reminder of the deadly consequences of speeding and careless driving on Nigeria’s roads.