Tragedy strikes in Ogun as car accident claims 10 lives, leaves six hurt

A devastating road accident occurred on Sunday night at Sapade Bridge, along the Ibadan–Lagos motorway in Ogun State, claiming the lives of 10 people and injuring six others. The accident happened at approximately 8:05 p.m. and involved a white Sinotruk (CNHTC) Dangote truck with an unknown registration number and a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number EKY 290 YM.

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Sector Command, confirmed the incident through a statement issued by its Public Education Officer, Superintendent Route Commander Afolabi Odunsi. A total of 18 persons were involved in the crash, comprising 15 adult males, two adult females, and one male child.

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The FRSC disclosed that the 10 victims who lost their lives comprised nine adult males and one male child, while six others, including four adult males and two adult females, sustained injuries. Two adult male occupants of the vehicles escaped unhurt in the tragic incident.

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Preliminary investigations by the FRSC identified speed violations, wrongful overtaking, and dangerous driving as the immediate causes of the collision. The truck driver allegedly reversed on the highway after missing his route, creating a hazardous obstruction for other road users.

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According to the FRSC, the truck driver's decision to reverse on the highway led to the bus, which was travelling at high speed, attempting to navigate through the limited space available and ramming into the truck. This resulted in the tragic loss of lives and injuries to several people.

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The FRSC's rescue team responded promptly to the emergency, evacuating the injured victims to Victory Hospital, Ogere, for medical treatment. The bodies of the deceased were deposited at FOS Mortuary, Ipara, for further formalities.

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Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Ishara Division, took custody of the damaged vehicles, while arrangements were made for their evacuation from the scene. The Ogun Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, expressed sympathy to the families of those who lost their loved ones and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

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Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi urged motorists, particularly commercial drivers and truck operators, to desist from reversing on highways and other dangerous traffic practices. He emphasized that missing a route is never an excuse for endangering other road users.

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Ogunjobi advised drivers to obey traffic regulations, maintain safe speeds, and make use of designated turning points whenever they miss their routes. He stressed that strict compliance with traffic rules remains critical to reducing avoidable road crashes and preventing needless loss of lives on Nigeria’s highways.