Two passengers in a commercial vehicle lost their lives while others were injured in a ghastly auto crash which occurred along Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Sunday, February 2, at about 7:15a.m., when it rammed into a stationary luxury bus.
One of the deceased passengers was identified as a staff of Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State.
The crash, which occurred close to Danco Filling Station along the expressway, involved a Toyota Sienna bus with registration number EPE 430 HT, driven by one Adewale Yusuf, and a luxury bus with registration number KTU 835 XY, belonging to Young Shall Grow Transport Company and driven by one Chukwudi Ilo of Anambra State.
Giving details of the auto accident in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, CSP Omolola Odutola, said: “Investigations revealed that the luxury bus had stopped in traffic behind other vehicles due to a minor accident ahead when the Toyota Sienna, coming on a high speed, lost control and crashed into its rear.
“As a result of this, five passengers in the Sienna bus sustained severe injuries and were rushed to Live Well Hospital, Sagamu.
“Two male passengers, identified as Charles Izuchukwu, a staff member of Babcock University, and another unidentified male occupant, succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
“The deceased were deposited at Last Home Green Mortuary, Sagamu, while the driver of the Sienna bus and two other injured passengers are receiving medical attention.”
Thenewsbearer learnt that after the accident was reported to the Divisional Police Officer, Sagamu Police Station, the Motor Traffic Department (MTD) promptly went to the scene, documented the incident, and cleared the wreckage to restore normal traffic flow.
The PPRO stated that both vehicles had been towed to the MTD Office, Sagamu, for further investigation and inspection by the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO).
The state police command warned against reckless driving, excessive speeding, and negligence, noting that they were part of the factors contributing to such fatal accidents.
Others include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, use of expired or substandard tyres, lack of focus and disregard for traffic regulations and drivers prioritizing financial gain over passengers’ safety.
The command urged all motorists, particularly commercial drivers, to exercise caution, adhere to speed limits, and avoid reckless behaviours that could endanger lives.
“Drivers are warned against substance abuse and must ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey.
“The command remains committed to enforcing traffic regulations to reduce road fatalities. Any driver found violating road safety rules will face legal consequences,” the police spokesperson added.