•Road safety officials at scene of the accident.
A multiple crash which occurred around 8 am at Old Toll Gate, Ota, along Lagos-Abeokuta expressway today has reportedly led to the loss of six people, leaving two injured.
The crash involved an articulated vehicle with registration EKY 913 YH and two other vehicles, reports The PUNCH.
The articulated vehicle, a tanker carrying vegetable oil, reportedly suffered break failure after which the driver lost control and rammed into people standing by, killing six and injuring two others.
The spokesperson of the state sector command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Afolabi Odunsi-Oyewole, disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists today.
Odunsi-Oyewole said that “A tragic road traffic crash occurred today at approximately 08:00 hrs at the Old Toll Gate, Ota. The incident resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to two others.
“The crash involved an articulated vehicle (vegetable oil tanker) with registration number EKY 913 YH and two other vehicles.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the articulated vehicle suffered a mechanical brake failure while navigating the ever-busy toll gate area.
“The driver subsequently lost control and rammed into the other vehicles and bystanders. Six adults were confirmed dead (5 males, 1 female). Two other people sustained various degrees of injuries.
“FRSC rescue teams promptly evacuated all victims to Ota General Hospital. The injured survivors are currently undergoing medical treatment, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Ifo General Hospital morgue.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area was said to have visited the scene to commiserate with the victims’ families.
To prevent future occurrences at this high-risk corridor, the LG boss was said to have ordered the immediate removal of all illegal traders occupying the road verges at the Old Toll Gate.
He further pledged the Local Government’s full support to the FRSC and other security agencies in enforcing this directive and dislodging illegal occupants.
The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Akinwunmi Fasakin, reminds all motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, to ensure their vehicles undergo rigorous mechanical checks before embarking on any journey, as the Corps remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property.
