10 dead, six injured in auto crash on Sapade Bridge

At least 10 persons have died while six others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a road crash at Sapade Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State on Sunday night.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Sector Command, said the accident occurred at about 8:05 p.m. and involved a Dangote Sinotruk truck and a Toyota Hiace commercial bus.

According to the Sector Public Education Officer, Superintendent Route Commander Afolabi Odunsi, a total of 18 persons were involved in the crash, comprising 15 adult males, two adult females, and one male child.

He disclosed that 10 persons, including nine adult males and one male child, lost their lives in the accident, while six others, made up of four adult males and two adult females, sustained injuries. Two adult males escaped unhurt.

The FRSC attributed the crash to speed violations, wrongful overtaking, and dangerous driving.

The statement explained that the truck driver allegedly reversed on the highway after missing his route, while the approaching commercial bus, said to be traveling at high speed, attempted to squeeze through the limited space and rammed into the truck.

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“The truck driver reportedly reversed on the highway after missing his direction, while the approaching bus, traveling at high speed, attempted to navigate through the limited space available and rammed into the truck,” the statement said.

FRSC rescue teams evacuated the injured victims to Victory Hospital, Ogere, for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the FOS Mortuary, Ipara.

The corps added that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force from the Ishara Division had taken custody of the accident vehicles, while the obstruction had been cleared to ensure the free flow of traffic.

Reacting to the incident, the Ogun Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, commiserated with the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

He also cautioned motorists, especially commercial drivers and truck operators, against reversing on highways, excessive speeding, dangerous driving, and other traffic violations.

Ogunjobi urged road users to obey traffic regulations, maintain safe speeds, and make use of designated turning points whenever they miss their routes, stressing that strict adherence to traffic rules remains essential to preventing avoidable road crashes and loss of lives.