Ten people died and six were injured after a bus collided with a reversing truck on the Ibadan–Lagos Expressway as FRSC urges safer driving practices.
A tragic road accident along the busy Ibadan–Lagos Expressway has claimed the lives of at least 10 people, while six others sustained injuries, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The fatal crash occurred on Sunday night at Sapade Bridge in Ogun State and has once again highlighted the dangers of reckless driving and poor compliance with traffic regulations on Nigeria’s major highways.
The FRSC confirmed that the accident happened at about 8:05 p.m. and involved a white Sinotruk (CNHTC) Dangote truck and a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus with registration number EKY 290 YM.
Although the truck’s registration number could not be immediately identified, authorities said preliminary findings point to a combination of dangerous driving practices that ultimately led to the deadly collision.
In a statement issued by the Ogun State Sector Command through its Public Education Officer, Superintendent Route Commander Afolabi Odunsi, the agency disclosed that 18 people were involved in the crash. They included 15 adult males, two adult females and one male child.
The impact of the collision proved devastating. According to the FRSC, 10 occupants lost their lives instantly or died from injuries sustained in the crash. The deceased comprised nine adult men and one male child.
Six other victims, including four adult males and two adult females, suffered varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to hospital for emergency medical attention. Two adult male occupants escaped the crash without sustaining injuries.
Investigators believe the tragedy could have been avoided if basic traffic rules had been observed. The FRSC said its preliminary investigation identified excessive speed, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving as the immediate causes of the accident.
Officials further explained that the truck driver allegedly attempted to reverse on the expressway after missing his intended route.
Rather than proceeding to a designated turning point, the driver reportedly reversed on the highway, creating a dangerous obstruction for approaching vehicles.
The approaching Toyota Hiace bus, which was said to be travelling at a high speed, reportedly tried to pass through the limited space left by the reversing truck but crashed into it. The collision caused extensive damage to the bus and resulted in multiple fatalities.
Emergency response teams from the FRSC were immediately deployed to the accident scene. Rescue personnel worked to evacuate injured victims from the wreckage before transporting them to Victory Hospital, Ogere, where they are receiving treatment.
The bodies of those who lost their lives were later deposited at the FOS Mortuary in Ipara pending identification and further procedures by their families.
The FRSC also confirmed that officers of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Ishara Division secured the accident scene and took custody of the damaged vehicles.
Arrangements were subsequently made to remove the wreckage from the expressway to restore the free flow of traffic and prevent secondary accidents.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, the Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and wished those receiving treatment a speedy recovery.
He described the loss of lives as painful and avoidable, stressing that motorists must always place safety above convenience while using public roads.
The Sector Commander specifically cautioned commercial bus drivers and operators of articulated vehicles against reversing on expressways, noting that such actions expose innocent road users to unnecessary danger.
He also warned drivers against speeding, reckless overtaking and every other form of traffic violation capable of causing fatal crashes. According to him, missing a road or highway exit should never serve as justification for reversing on a high-speed road.
Instead, motorists were advised to continue to the next approved turning point before changing direction. He explained that a few extra minutes spent finding a safe route are far better than making dangerous decisions that could cost lives.
Road safety experts have repeatedly identified speeding and poor driving habits as major contributors to fatal crashes across Nigeria.
Commercial transport operators are often urged to ensure their drivers comply strictly with traffic laws, maintain safe speeds and remain alert while travelling on highways.
The latest tragedy serves as another reminder of the need for greater discipline among motorists and stronger enforcement of road safety regulations.
With thousands of commuters using the Ibadan–Lagos Expressway daily, authorities believe strict adherence to traffic rules remains one of the most effective ways to reduce accidents and save lives.
As investigations continue, the FRSC has renewed its appeal to all road users to drive responsibly, obey traffic signs and avoid risky manoeuvres that endanger both passengers and fellow motorists.
The agency insists that responsible driving, patience and strict compliance with road safety regulations remain essential to preventing similar tragedies on Nigeria’s highways.
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