Sallah tragedy: Lagos-Ibadan expressway crash leaves 5 dead, 15 injured

Tragedy struck at the Ogunmakin end of the Lagos Ibadan expressway on Sallah day when a Mazda bus, with number plate, KSF 477 XK, and a Mitsubishi space wagon car, with number plate, MUS 639 DK were both involved in a crash which claimed the lives of five people and injured 15 others.

Reports say the bus driver which was at top speed attempted to overtake at an intersection where construction works were being done on the road crashed into the Mitsubishi space wagon car in a head on collision killing five victims in the process comprising the drivers of the two vehicles, and three passengers in the bus, including a child.

Confirming the incident, the FRSC Commander, Ogunmakin Unit, David Ogunjana, revealed that the accident was caused by over speeding; “The commercial bus was taking some Muslims to Ibadan; it was a loaded bus. The Mitsubishi car was coming to Lagos and there were two people in it. Because of the public holiday, the traffic was light.

“The bus driver was attempting to overtake the car at a section of the expressway where construction is ongoing. He, however, miscalculated and ram into it. The bus driver and that of the private car died on the spot. Two passengers sitting beside the commercial bus driver also died. A woman, sitting at the back of the driver, was also killed.

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“While we were clearing the wreckage, some motorists, who met us at the scene, said they had warned the bus driver to reduce his speed, but he refused to listen to them. They said he made abusive gestures at them and continued speeding till he killed himself and other people.

“The accident was avoidable because the road was free and there was no reason for him to speed. Some of the passengers said they were going to their hometown to celebrate the Sallah with their family members.” He said.

While advising drivers to be patient and avoid over speeding, the Sector Commander, FRSC, Ogun State, Mr. Adegoke Adetunji, said the injured victims have been taken to hospital.

“The accident happened at about 3.45pm. A total of 20 people were involved. Among them, five died and 15 sustained injuries. Among the dead were three male adults, one woman and a child. The injured were taken to Ife-Oluwa Hospital and Ibadan Centre Hospital and the vehicles towed away to restore traffic flow. Drivers are advised to be patient and avoid wrongful overtaking as they drive through the construction area.”

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