Four killed in 4am Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crash

Four people were killed and another injured in an early-morning crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State on Wednesday.

The crash occurred at about 4 a.m. around Straight Gate School, Ipara Remo, along the Ibadan-Lagos route.

Eight people were involved in the crash, which involved a blue Mitsubishi Cabstar, with registration number FGE 753 XA, and an ash-coloured HOWO truck, registered T-695 KT.

According to the Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Mitsubishi driver was travelling at high speed when he attempted to overtake the moving truck and rammed into it.

The FRSC identified speed violation and wrong overtaking as the preliminary causes of the crash, with fatigue also listed as a contributing factor.

The command’s spokesperson, Chief Route Commander Afolabi Odunsi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday.

Odunsi said four male adults were killed in the crash, while another male adult sustained injuries. Three others escaped unhurt.

“The Mitsubishi driver, reportedly travelling at high speed, rammed into the moving truck while attempting to overtake. Fatigue was also identified as a contributing factor, as the driver was reportedly fatigued during the journey,” he said.

The FRSC rescue team received the distress call at 4:33 a.m. and arrived at the scene six minutes later, according to Odunsi.

The injured victim was taken to Victory Hospital, Ogere, for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the FOS Mortuary, Ipara.

The two vehicles were subsequently handed over to the Police Motor Traffic Division, Isara Division, for further investigation.

The Ogun State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists to avoid speeding, fatigue and unsafe overtaking, particularly during early-morning journeys.

He also advised drivers embarking on long-distance trips to get adequate rest and only overtake when it is safe and permissible.