Abeokuta, Nigeria – April 7, 2024 – A catastrophic multi-vehicle collision on the Sagamu-Ikorodu Road last Saturday resulted in the deaths of 18 people, including a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer, and left four others critically injured.
The tragedy unfolded when a DAF truck, experiencing brake failure, slammed into rescue personnel attending to an earlier accident scene, which was initially triggered by a reckless overtaking maneuver by a Toyota Hiace bus.
The devastating chain reaction involved seven vehicles, encompassing commercial buses, cargo trucks, motorcycles, and a pickup truck. The human cost of the incident was severe, with 14 male and 6 female fatalities, including one child. The FRSC officer was killed while actively engaged in rescue efforts at the initial crash site.
Survivors were rushed to Dasochris Hospital for urgent medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased were transported to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital morgue.
FRSC Ogun State Sector Commander Ahmed Umar attributed the horrific accident to “speed violations and mechanical failures.”
He issued a stern warning to motorists, emphasizing the critical need for:
- Pre-trip brake system checks: Ensuring vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys.
- Adherence to speed limits: Observing the 80km/h speed limit specifically designated for trucks.
- Safe lane maneuvers: Avoiding reckless lane changes and overtaking.
This tragic event adds to a series of recent road incidents in the Sagamu region. On March 1, two lives were lost in separate road accidents, and on March 4, a gas explosion on the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway claimed 16 lives.
In response to the escalating number of fatalities, road safety authorities have announced an emergency review of accident-prone corridors along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway network, aiming to implement immediate measures to enhance safety and prevent future tragedies.
