Tragedy struck in Oyo State on Friday when a fatal road accident claimed two lives and left six others seriously injured. The crash, which occurred along the Ibadan-Ogbomoso expressway, involved a commercial passenger bus and a private vehicle.
According to eyewitness reports, the accident happened in the early hours of the day around 7:45 AM. It was gathered that the bus, which was traveling from Ibadan towards Ogbomoso, attempted to overtake another vehicle but lost control, colliding head-on with a private Toyota Corolla coming from the opposite direction.
Officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Oyo Command, who arrived promptly at the scene, confirmed the casualty figures. Speaking to journalists, the FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Joshua Adekanye, described the incident as “avoidable” and attributed the crash to speeding and reckless driving.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the bus driver was attempting to overtake at a bend without clear visibility. Unfortunately, this led to a fatal collision. Two persons were confirmed dead at the scene, while six others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Adekanye said.
The Sector Commander further urged drivers to exercise patience and observe all traffic regulations, especially on highways notorious for accidents. He emphasized that overspeeding remains one of the leading causes of road accidents in the country.
Emergency responders, including the Oyo State Fire Service and local vigilante groups, assisted in rescuing trapped passengers. Eyewitnesses praised the swift intervention of the FRSC, noting that their immediate action helped save lives.
One of the survivors, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the crash. “We were driving at high speed. I noticed the driver kept overtaking other cars dangerously. Some passengers even complained, but he ignored them. Suddenly, I heard a loud bang and everything went black. I woke up later with pains all over my body,” the survivor said from his hospital bed.
The injured victims were rushed to the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso for medical attention. Hospital officials confirmed that while some victims sustained fractures and head injuries, they are responding to treatment. However, two of the six injured remain in critical condition, according to medical personnel.
The remains of the deceased were deposited at the LAUTECH morgue, pending identification by their families. The Oyo State Police Command has also launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, pledging to bring anyone found guilty of negligence to justice.
In reaction to the accident, the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA), Dr. Akin Fagbemi, expressed sadness over the tragic loss of lives. He stressed the need for continuous road safety education among commercial drivers, particularly those operating along high-risk routes.
“This accident is a wake-up call. We must intensify public awareness campaigns and ensure stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Commercial drivers especially must understand that human lives are precious and must not be put at risk for monetary gains,” Dr. Fagbemi stated.
Residents of nearby communities have called on the government to install more road signs and speed control measures along the Ibadan-Ogbomoso route, which they described as a “death trap” due to frequent accidents.
Community leader, Chief Samuel Adetunji, lamented the persistent loss of lives on the expressway. “This road has claimed too many lives. We need better policing of the roads, installation of speed bumps, and regular patrols to deter reckless driving,” he said.
Meanwhile, the FRSC has promised to increase surveillance on major highways during the upcoming Workers’ Day holidays to curb the spike in traffic incidents often associated with festive periods. Commander Adekanye advised motorists to maintain moderate speeds, ensure their vehicles are in good working condition, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
As families mourn their loved ones and others pray for the recovery of the injured, Friday’s crash serves as another painful reminder of the urgent need for all road users to prioritize safety above haste.
Authorities have assured the public that measures will be put in place to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
