The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has expressed deep sorrow over three fatal road crashes that claimed 32 lives in Kogi, Ogun and Kwara states between Sunday and Monday, renewing its call on motorists to comply with traffic regulations to prevent avoidable deaths.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Corps Public Education Officer, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, the FRSC extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
According to the Corps, “The first crash occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Sunday along the Okene-Lokoja Road near Confluence University, Osara, Kogi State.
“The accident involved a MAN truck and a Toyota Sienna commercial bus, with 10 people involved.
Seven persons, comprising six men and one woman, died in the crash, while three male victims sustained injuries and were taken to Abobo General Hospital for treatment.
“Preliminary investigations identified a tyre burst as the cause of the accident.
Later the same day, at about 8:05 p.m., another fatal crash occurred at Sapade Bridge on the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway in Ogun State. The collision involved a SINOTRUK truck and a Toyota Hiace bus carrying 18 occupants.”
The FRSC said 10 people, including nine men and one male child, lost their lives, while six others sustained injuries and were taken to Victory Hospital, Ogere. Two male occupants escaped unhurt.
Preliminary findings attributed the crash to speeding, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving after the truck reportedly created a hazardous situation on the highway.
The third incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at Oko-Olowo along the Ogbomosho-Oloru Road in Kwara State, where a DAF trailer conveying passengers and goods crashed.
The lone crash involved 48 male adults, leaving 15 people dead, 17 injured and 16 rescued unhurt.
According to the FRSC, investigations indicate that driver fatigue was the immediate cause of the crash, while the high death toll was worsened by the illegal practice of transporting passengers alongside goods, commonly known as mixed loading.
Reacting to the incidents, corps marshal, FRSC, Shehu Mohammed described the crashes as heartbreaking and entirely preventable.
He said recurring violations such as speeding, wrongful overtaking, dangerous driving, poor tyre maintenance, driver fatigue and mixed loading continue to undermine efforts to improve road safety across the country.
Mohammed urged motorists, transport companies and commercial vehicle operators to prioritise safety by ensuring that only roadworthy vehicles are used, tyres are regularly inspected and replaced when necessary, speed limits are observed, drivers take adequate rest before embarking on journeys, and passengers are never transported together with goods.
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