…15 people were involved in the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway accident.
Abeokuta, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that three persons, including a toddler and two adults, have been killed in a fatal Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway accident involving an articulated truck at the Toll-Gate section of the busy highway in Ogun State.
The crash, which occurred around 2 p.m. on Friday, also left six other commuters injured.
Spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the incident while speaking with journalists.
According to him, the accident involved a white Howo Sino articulated truck with number plate T4995LA, two yellow commercial buses with number plates SMK 199YK and AGL394YA, an LT commercial bus with number plate FKJ 360YH, and two Suzuki yellow buses with number plates 98YL and KSF 23YA.
Akinbiyi explained that eyewitnesses said the truck suffered brake failure before ploughing into multiple vehicles and commuters who were waiting to board buses at the bus stop.
“According to eyewitness accounts, the Howo truck suffered brake failure, subsequently crushing victims who were attempting to board a bus and damaging several vehicles in its path,” he said.
Authorities disclosed that 15 people were involved in the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway accident, with six commuters sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
“Fifteen people were involved; six commuters were injured while three others — a toddler and two adults died,” Akinbiyi added.
The TRACE spokesperson commiserated with families of the victims and urged owners of articulated vehicles to ensure proper maintenance of their trucks before embarking on trips.
“Articulated vehicle drivers are again charged to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles as and when due in view of their attendant challenges,” he said.
He also warned roadside traders to stop displaying goods along walkways and highways, stressing that such practices increase the risks during road accidents.
“Moreover, traders who display their wares on walkways and roadsides are also advised to remove them in view of the consequences,” Akinbiyi said.
The tragedy comes barely two weeks after another fatal Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway accident at the same toll gate claimed six lives when a truck conveying petroleum products reportedly lost control and crushed several victims.
Following that earlier incident, officials of the Ogun State Government visited the scene and ordered the removal of traders operating around the bus stop.
