Lagos: Tragedy struck along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as multiple road traffic crashes claimed six lives, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed on Thursday.
The fatal incidents, which occurred in quick succession, have raised fresh concerns over safety on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.
The FRSC Lagos Sector Public Education Officer, SRC Oluwadamilola Jayeola, in a statement on Thursday, stated that the crashes occurred between October 29 and 30.
Jayeola noted that the incidents, which involved multiple vehicles at different times, also resulted in injuries and significant traffic disruption.
“The first crash took place on October 29, around 20.00 hours, and involved two white DAF trucks (Reg Nos. GGE 24 YJ and SBG 192 XB), with seven male passengers who did not sustain any death or injury.
“The probable cause of the crash is speeding, which resulted in loss of control.
“Also, the obstruction was promptly cleared by FRSC personnel in conjunction with Ojodu-Abiodun Police Division,” she said.
The officer, however, said that operatives responded promptly to all the crashes within minutes.
She added that operatives ensured quick rescue operations, removal of obstructions, and restoration of traffic flow.
Jayeola stated that the second crash occurred on October 29 at approximately 21:40 hours.
She said it involved two unidentified DAF trucks with six male passengers, of whom two sustained injuries, while four died.
She said that the Injured victims were evacuated: one taken to AZ Hospital, Magboro and the other to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre, Ojota.
The officer added that FRSC, the Nigeria Police, and the Lagos State Fire Service carried out joint rescue operations.
“The third crash happened at 22.15 hours involving a lone yellow truck (details yet to be confirmed); three male persons were involved, with one killed.
“The probable cause of the crash is reckless overtaking and loss of control.
“The deceased was conveyed to a mortuary by an ambulance from the Lagos State Ministry of Health,” she said.
Jayeola stated that the fourth crash occurred on Thursday at 0520 hours, involving a tow truck (blue) and another car (which was still submerged in the Isheri River at the time of the report).
She said that five male passengers were involved; two were injured, while one or more were killed, pending retrieval operations from the Isheri River.
“Recovery operations are ongoing as FRSC, the Nigeria Police, and Lagos State emergency services are working to remove the submerged truck and clear the scene for normal traffic flow,” she said.
She pointed out that the crashes within a short timeframe around Kara Bridge underscored the dangers of speeding.
The Sector Commander, Kehinde Hamzat, appealed to motorists, particularly truck drivers and fleet operators, to adhere to all road traffic regulations.
Hamzat also cautioned motorists to avoid overspeeding, distractions while driving and night journeys.
He urged motorists to ensure vehicles were roadworthy and properly maintained.
“Always drive within speed limits and stay alert behind the wheel, “Hamzat said.