Tragedy struck on Wednesday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as a driver lost his life after his white Mazda bus collided with a moving truck near Car Park C, in the Lotto area of the highway.
The driver, who was the only occupant of the bus loaded with bags of potatoes, was reportedly heading to Lagos when the incident occurred. According to eyewitnesses, the driver may have dozed off behind the wheel, losing control and crashing into the truck from the rear.
Confirming the incident in a statement to journalists, the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Traffic Enforcement and Compliance Agency, Babatunde Akinbiyi, said the accident was caused by excessive speed and possible fatigue.
Akinbiyi explained, “Eyewitness accounts indicate that the driver was speeding and most likely dozed off. The Mazda bus, fully loaded with potatoes, was en route to Lagos for early morning delivery.
“Sadly, he lost control and rammed into a moving Dangote truck from behind. The driver died on the spot, having been trapped in the wreckage before he was eventually extricated.”
While expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Akinbiyi urged motorists to exercise caution, especially when travelling at night, stressing the dangers of speeding and fatigue on the road.
“We once again admonish drivers to avoid night travels and excessive speeding, as these contribute to avoidable road fatalities,” he said.
The unfortunate crash highlights the need for increased awareness and enforcement of road safety regulations, particularly along high-traffic routes like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. (Punch)