Six Dead, Several Injured In Multiple Crashes On Lagos–Ibadan Expressway — FRSC Sounds Alarm On Speeding
By TINA TOLUTOPE
THE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command, has confirmed that six people lost their lives and several others sustained varying degrees of injuries following a series of multiple traffic crashes that occurred between 29 and 30 October on the Kara Bridge section of the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The tragic incidents, which happened within hours of each other, involved several heavy-duty trucks and caused major traffic congestion across the corridor, leaving commuters stranded for long periods.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Public Education Officer of the FRSC Lagos Sector Command, SRC Oluwadamilola Jayeola, said the crashes were primarily caused by speeding, reckless overtaking, and loss of control, which remain leading causes of road accidents in Nigeria.
Timeline of the Crashes
According to Jayeola, the first crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. on October 29 and involved two white DAF trucks with registration numbers GGE 24 YJ and SBG 192 XB.
Seven male passengers were involved, but fortunately, no deaths or injuries were recorded.
FRSC officials, supported by operatives from the Ojodu-Abiodun Police Division, swiftly cleared the obstruction to restore traffic flow.
Barely two hours later, at 9:40 p.m., a second collision took place involving two unidentified DAF trucks carrying six male passengers.
This crash proved deadly — four people were killed on the spot, while two others sustained serious injuries.
The injured victims were rushed to AZ Hospital, Magboro, and the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre, Ojota, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the morgue.
Just 35 minutes later, another tragedy struck at 10:15 p.m., when a lone yellow truck reportedly lost control while attempting a dangerous overtaking maneuver.
Three men were involved, and one died instantly from severe injuries.
FRSC officials attributed this accident to reckless overtaking and excessive speed.
The deceased was evacuated by an ambulance operated by the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
The chaos continued into the early hours of Thursday, October 30, when a fourth crash was reported at 5:20 a.m.
The collision involved a blue tow truck and another heavy-duty truck that plunged into the Isheri River.
Preliminary reports indicated that five male occupants were in the vehicles; two sustained injuries, while one or more fatalities were recorded as rescue and retrieval operations continued.
FRSC, alongside the Nigeria Police and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), were still on-site at the time of reporting, working to recover the submerged truck and clear the scene to restore normal traffic flow.
FRSC Raises Alarm on Reckless Driving
The FRSC spokesperson stressed that the cluster of accidents within a 12-hour period around Kara Bridge reflects the increasing danger of nighttime speeding and poor driving habits among truck drivers.
She noted that despite ongoing sensitization campaigns, many motorists still ignore safety measures such as observing speed limits, resting adequately before long trips, and maintaining proper vehicle checks.
Sector Commander Kehinde Hamzat also expressed deep concern over the rising frequency of fatal crashes on the expressway, calling for collective responsibility among motorists, fleet operators, and law enforcement agencies.
He advised drivers, especially those handling articulated vehicles, to exercise maximum caution, maintain safe following distances, and avoid distractions such as mobile phone use while driving.
“Most of these crashes are preventable,” Hamzat said. “If drivers observe speed limits, avoid reckless overtaking, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, we can save hundreds of lives annually.”
He also reiterated that the FRSC will intensify highway patrols and visibility operations, particularly during peak travel periods, to enforce traffic regulations and ensure that violators face the full weight of the law.
Ongoing Recovery and Safety Appeal
As of Thursday afternoon, recovery teams comprising FRSC, Nigeria Police, LASEMA, and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were still working to retrieve the submerged vehicle at Isheri River, where visibility challenges have slowed down the operation.
The FRSC urged motorists plying the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to drive cautiously, especially around Kara Bridge, a notorious accident hotspot due to high vehicular volume and uneven road surfaces.
“Drivers must stay alert and avoid risky behaviour. The lives lost are a reminder that safety is everyone’s responsibility,” the FRSC statement added.
The Kara Bridge corridor has long been identified as one of the most dangerous stretches of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, often plagued by reckless driving, mechanical failures, and congestion-related collisions. Authorities have promised enhanced monitoring and stricter enforcement to prevent future tragedies.
