Tragedy struck on Thursday, January 2nd as a truck was involved in a lone accident at Pipeline Junction, Ogere Remo axis of Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to four others.
Babatunde Akinbiyi, the Public Relations Officer of Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), disclosed that the crash occurred around 4.30 a.m. The truck, bearing registration number TKP 653 XA and laden with yams, lost control while traveling from the North towards Lagos. It was reportedly carrying 14 passengers, assumed to be owners of the yams, who were seated on top of the cargo at the time of the accident.
“The casualty was much because some of the passengers, who are also likely owners of the yam, were seating on the yam in the open space at the back. Thus, when it lost control due to overspeeding and poor visibility, (they) fell by its side, with the yam and vehicle falling on them” Akinbiyi said.
Akinbiyi revealed that four passengers lost their lives at the scene, while the injured were transported to Idera Hospital, Sagamu. He added that the deceased were taken to FOS mortuary, Ipara Remo, and the vehicle was handed over to the Police Motor Traffic Division, Iperu-Remo.
The agency’s spokesperson expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured. He also urged motorists to prioritize proper vehicle maintenance and refrain from overspeeding and night travel, especially during the harmattan season which poses challenges due to poor visibility.