At least 32 people lost their lives and many others were injured in several road accidents in Kwara, Kogi, and Ogun states. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said these crashes were mainly due to driver fatigue, excessive speeding, and other traffic violations.
In Kwara State, a trailer crash along the Ogbomoso-Oko Olowo part of the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway resulted in 15 deaths and 17 injuries. The accident took place early on Monday morning near the Muslim Cemetery in the Moro Local Government Area.
The FRSC reported that the crash happened around 2:32 a.m. It involved a DAF XF trailer with the registration number GWL 274 XC. A total of 48 men were on board, with 15 dying at the scene and 17 suffering injuries. Sixteen people escaped without injuries.
The FRSC linked the crash to driver fatigue. Victims had injuries such as fractures, dislocations, and bruises. Kwara State FRSC Sector Commander, Kabiru Kazeem, identified the driver as Nasiru Muhammed.
Kazeem said, "The crash occurred at about 2:32 a.m. at the Muslim Cemetery area along the Ogbomoso-Oko Olowo route. It was a lone crash involving a DAF XF trailer with registration number GWL 274 XC. A total of 48 male occupants were involved in the crash. Fifteen persons lost their lives, 17 sustained varying degrees of injuries, while 16 others came out unhurt."
He added that driver fatigue caused the accident. Kazeem said, "Our preliminary investigation indicates that fatigue was responsible for the crash. The injured victims sustained fractures, dislocations, and bruises." The injured were taken to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment.
Kazeem confirmed that the bodies were handed over to family representatives and the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko Olowo. He also mentioned that search efforts were ongoing to find anyone trapped under the trailer's load.
"The search for more victims who may still be buried under the load is ongoing. The rescue operation involves personnel from RS8.15 Oloru and RS8.1 Kwara, Oko Olowo Outpost," he noted. Kazeem said they will increase public awareness campaigns to promote safer road use. He advised drivers to avoid mixing passengers and goods and not to travel at night, as these actions increase the risk of crashes.
In Kogi State, seven people died in another crash along the Okene-Osara-Lokoja Highway. A commercial Siena bus crashed into a stationary heavy-duty truck that was being repaired in Osara.
According to reports, the bus was on its way from Auchi in Edo State to Abuja with passengers headed for different destinations. Kogi FRSC Sector Commander, Lawal Fagge, said the crash was due to excessive speeding, driver fatigue, and a burst tyre.
Fagge said, "The fatal crash occurred along the Okene-Osara-Lokoja Road. The Siena bus carrying passengers from Auchi to Abuja suffered a tyre burst due to excessive speeding before crashing into a stationary truck undergoing repairs. Six occupants of the bus and the truck's motor boy died, while three others sustained injuries."
The injured were quickly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Fagge urged drivers to avoid speeding and ensure their vehicles are in good condition. He also stressed the need for caution around broken-down vehicles to prevent accidents.
Another deadly crash happened on Sunday night around 8:05 p.m. at Saapade Bridge along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway. This incident involved a white Sinotruk truck and a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number EKY 290 YM.
Ogun FRSC Sector Command spokesman, Superintendent Route Commander Afolabi Odunsi, said 18 people were involved. Out of these, 10 people, including nine adult males and one male child, died. Six others were injured, while two adult males came out unhurt.
Odunsi stated that the crash was caused by speeding, wrongful overtaking, and dangerous driving. He explained, "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."
He added that FRSC rescue teams quickly got to the scene to take the injured to Victory Hospital, Ogere, while the bodies were taken to FOS Mortuary, Ipara. The police have taken custody of the crashed vehicles, and the crash scene has been cleared for traffic to flow.
Ogunjobi, the Sector Commander, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a quick recovery. He warned all drivers, especially commercial ones, against risky behaviours like reversing on highways and speeding. He reminded everyone to obey traffic rules and drive safely to prevent loss of lives.
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