Tragic accident on Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway claims nine lives

The scene of the road crash. Credit: FRSC

Nine people lost their lives in a deadly road crash on Monday along the Ijebu-Ode/Ore part of the Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway.

The crash happened around 4:55 PM near the Bethel area of the expressway. It involved a white Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number 14B-299DT, owned by Delta Line, and a white Sino Truck, with registration number AAB162XD, from Bill Gas Solution Ltd.

Afolabi Odunsi-Oyewole, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, shared this information in a statement on Monday.

Odunsi-Oyewole said, “A total of nine persons, comprising three males and six females, were involved in the crash. Sadly, all nine persons were killed in the incident.

“The crash occurred while it was raining, with the road pavement wet. The road itself was paved. Preliminary investigation identified speed violation (SPV) as the probable cause of the crash.

“The FRSC rescue team arrived at the scene within two minutes of receiving the report, arriving at 1658hrs.

“The deceased victims were evacuated and taken to the General Hospital Morgue, Ijebu-Ode, while the vehicles involved were towed to the Ilese Police Station by the Ilese Police MTD.”

Safety Warnings

In light of this tragic event, the Corps Commander for Ogun State, Oludare Ogunjobi, called on drivers, especially those operating commercial vehicles, to be very careful while driving in the rain.

He urged drivers to stick to speed limits, keep safe distances from other vehicles, and avoid any risky driving habits that could put lives at risk.

Ogunjobi reminded everyone that speeding becomes riskier on wet roads. Reduced grip and visibility can make it hard to control a vehicle or stop safely.

The Federal Road Safety Corps expressed its condolences to the families of the victims. They also reminded all road users to prioritize safety every time they are on the road.