Six die, two injured in Ogun multiple crash

…Abiodun condemns reckless driving, orders probe into Ota Toll Gate tragedy

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

No fewer than six persons, on Tuesday morning lost their lives in a multiple crash which occurred around at Old Toll Gate, Ota, along Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.

It was gathered that two other persons sustained varying degrees of injuries in the accident, that involved an articulated vehicle with registration EKY 913 YH and two other vehicles.

The articulated vehicle, a tanker carrying vegetable oil reportedly suffered break failure after which the driver lost control and ram into people standing-by, killing six and injuring two others.

The spokesperson of the Ogun State Sector of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Afolabi Odunsi-Oyewole, who confirmed the accident to newsmen, said that “a tragic road traffic crash that occurred today at approximately 08:00 hrs at the Old Toll Gate, Ota.

He said, the incident resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to two others.

“The crash involved an articulated vehicle (vegetable oil tanker) with registration number EKY 913 YH and two other vehicles.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the articulated vehicle suffered a mechanical brake failure while navigating the ever-busy toll gate area.

“The driver subsequently lost control and rammed into the other vehicles and bystanders. Six adults were confirmed dead (5 males, 1 female). Two other people sustained various degrees of injuries.

“FRSC rescue teams promptly evacuated all victims to Ota General Hospital. The injured survivors are currently undergoing medical treatment, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Ifo General Hospital morgue”

The Sector Commander ,Corps Commander Akinwunmi Fasakin, reminds all motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, to ensure their vehicles undergo rigorous mechanical checks before embarking on any journey as the Corps remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property.

Meanwhile, the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has condemned the reckless driving habits of some truck operators plying the Sango–Ota corridor, following a fatal accident at the Ota Toll Gate area that claimed several lives.

The governor, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade,
described the development as painful and unacceptable, describing the loss of innocent lives due to preventable negligence as one too many.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and comfort for them during this difficult period.

Governor Abiodun has directed an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, stressing that anyone found culpable must face the full weight of the law.

He also called for heightened vigilance and stricter traffic enforcement by the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps to prevent a recurrence along the busy corridor.

In a related development, the Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Lawal Adewale Wasiu visited the scene shortly after the incident alongside key local government officials, where he received briefings from security operatives coordinating rescue and control efforts.

The Chairman expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and reiterated the need for strict adherence to traffic regulations.

He also cautioned against roadside trading and other risky activities that expose residents and commuters to avoidable danger, assuring that the council would collaborate closely with relevant agencies to strengthen safety compliance within the axis.

The Ogun State Government reaffirmed its resolve to intensify road safety enforcement and protect lives and property across the state.

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