Tragedy struck on Thursday along the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as a multiple-vehicle crash opposite the NASFAT junction left many passengers feared dead, triggering frantic rescue efforts by emergency responders and residents.
The accident, which occurred in the early hours of January 1, involved an 18-seater commercial bus travelling from Lagos and a truck coming from the Ibadan axis. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the truck was attempting a U-turn near the NASFAT area when the bus rammed into it, forcing the smaller vehicle to slide underneath the heavy-duty truck.
The impact was described as devastating. Several passengers were reportedly trapped inside the mangled bus, while others were found unconscious at the scene, sparking panic and grief among onlookers.
As at press time, rescue operations were still ongoing, with security agencies, emergency responders and members of the public working against the clock to pull victims from the wreckage. Traffic along the expressway was severely disrupted, further complicating access for emergency services.
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Afolabi Odunsi-Oyewole, disclosed that the command had been alerted to the crash but was yet to receive a comprehensive report on the number of casualties.
He assured that FRSC officials were on ground coordinating rescue efforts and managing traffic to prevent further accidents, noting that details would be made public once investigations were concluded.
The latest crash has once again raised questions about road safety enforcement and the recurring dangers posed by indiscriminate U-turns and reckless driving on Nigeria’s major highways. Stakeholders have repeatedly called for stricter adherence to traffic regulations and improved monitoring to stem the tide of fatal road accidents, particularly during festive periods.
More details are expected as authorities continue rescue and recovery operations.
