18 die in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway auto crashes

FOURTEEN persons were confirmed dead and others injured in an accident at the Ogunmakin stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when two trucks collided.

The crash, which occurred on Wednesday night, involved a trailer carrying cows alongside 27 people atop the vehicle and another trailer with registration number XE 444 KTU.

The operatives of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Ogun State Command and the police were sighted making frantic efforts to rescue the injured, an eyewitness told The Guardian.

According to Ndidi Frederick-Imo, Deputy Route Commander and AG Zonal Public Education Officer of the FRSC, 20 injured persons were rescued alive while 10 others were confirmed dead at the Ifeoluwa Hospital in Ogunmakin.

Besides, a similar accident, which also occurred at the same Ogunmakin stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway few hours later yesterday morning, left four persons dead and 10 others injured.

The Thursday’s accident involved a diesel tanker carrying PMS from Lagos, marked MKA 338 ZB and a luxury bus with registration number AAA 656 XN coming from Abuja.

Ndidi, who spoke with journalists, said rescue efforts was carried out by FRSC operatives and the Nigeria Police Force, rescuing 50 people and the four dead passengers evacuated to Fakoya Mortuary in Sagamu.

He said following the dangers associated with night journey, the FRSC’s Assistant Corps Marshal (Zone 2), Lagos, Nseobong Akpabio, has warned Nigerians to desist from embarking on night travels by road, irrespective of enticement.

“We all know that night traveling is extremely dangerous and should not be encouraged by families nor companies because night driving is fraught with more dangers than daytime driving due to poor visibility, drivers’ fatigue and other associated human errors.

“The Assistant Corps Marshal Nseobong C. Akpabio (MON) enjoins the motoring public to be more careful on the road as the latest crash was due to loss of control and over-speeding.

“Drivers should ensure that their vehicles are in good working condition, including brake lights, reverse lights, turn signals and any functioning lights.

“We completely discourage all Nigerians from travelling at night irrespective of the emergency in view of its associated dangers/consequences.

“And all patrol teams have been briefed to carry out strict enforcement on all corridors and impound all non-road worthy vehicles and test drivers who are susceptible to driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs and anyone arrested to be prosecuted.

“Fathers, Mothers, brothers, family members as well as companies and organisations should warn their relatives and members of staff not to embark on night journey as no amount of money or insurance can replace one’s life once it is lost,” Ndidi further said.