Deadly Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway Crash Claims Six Lives
Tragedy struck the busy Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway on Tuesday morning when a devastating crash claimed the lives of at least six people. The accident, which occurred at the Conoil axis heading toward Abeokuta, involved a heavy-duty truck and several commuters who were trapped under the wreckage. Eyewitnesses and emergency responders reported that the truck driver lost control due to excessive speed and a suspected mechanical fault, resulting in a catastrophic collision that left multiple victims with serious, life-threatening injuries.
Officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) confirmed the incident happened during the morning rush hour. According to reports, the truck, carrying a load of granite, veered off its lane and struck commuters waiting at a bus stop before overturning. Six people were pronounced dead at the scene, while rescue teams worked relentlessly to free those pinned under the heavy vehicle and its cargo.
The rescue operation was complicated by massive traffic congestion, which stretched for several kilometers as bystanders gathered to help. The FRSC Sector Commander for Ogun State attributed the tragedy primarily to overspeeding and poor vehicle maintenance, particularly the truck’s braking system. The bodies of the deceased were moved to a nearby morgue, and the injured were rushed to the General Hospital in Ijaye and private hospitals for urgent care.
Authorities have since cleared the wreckage and restored traffic flow, but commuters and residents remain shaken by the incident, lamenting the frequent accidents along this stretch of the expressway. Traffic officials have urged truck owners to maintain their vehicles regularly and called on drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially near crowded bus stops.
READ ALSO: 25-year-old mountaineer stands trial over the death of his girlfriend
This latest Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway accident highlights the urgent need for stricter traffic enforcement and enhanced pedestrian safety measures. Government officials extended condolences to the victims’ families and promised a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the driver losing control. Meanwhile, calls are mounting for improved road safety infrastructure, including speed breakers and better street lighting, to prevent future tragedies.