Four die, one injured in Ogun road crash

Four persons have been confirmed dead while one other sustained injuries in a road crash at Straight Gate, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun.

Mr Afolabi Odunsi, Chief Route Commander and spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Command, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abeokuta.

Odunsi said the crash occurred at about 4:00 a.m. involving a blue Mitsubishi Canter truck, with registration number FGE 753 XA, and an ash-coloured HOWO truck, with registration number T-695 KT.

He said eight persons were involved in the crash, adding that four male adults died, one male adult sustained injuries, while three others escaped unhurt.

“Preliminary investigation indicated that the crash was caused by speed violation and wrong overtaking,” he said.

According to him, the Mitsubishi driver, who was reportedly travelling at high speed, rammed into the moving HOWO truck while attempting to overtake.

He added that fatigue was also identified as a contributing factor, as the driver was reportedly tired during the journey.

Odunsi said the FRSC team received a distress call at about 4:33 a.m. and arrived at the scene six minutes later.

He said the injured victim was rescued and taken to Victory Hospital, Ogere, for medical treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at FOS Mortuary, Ipara.

He added that the crashed vehicles were handed over to the Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD), Isara Division, for further investigation.

Odunsi quoted the Sector Commander, Mr Oludare Ogunjobi, as urging motorists to avoid speeding, fatigue and unsafe overtaking, particularly during early morning journeys.

Ogunjobi advised drivers to take adequate rest before embarking on long distance trips and overtake only when it is safe and permissible.

“Drive with care. Better to be late than never,” he said.