No fewer than five people have lost their lives, while 15 others were injured after two vehicles had a head-on collision at the Ogunmakin end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday.
It was learnt that the accident, which happened around 4pm, involved a Mazda bus, with number plate, KSF 477 XK, and a Mitsubishi space wagon car, with number plate, MUS 639 DK.
It was learnt that the commercial bus was heading for Ibadan, Oyo State, while the car, which had two occupants, was heading towards Lagos State.
Our correspondent gathered that the bus driver, who was at top speed, crashed into the car while attempting to overtake at an intersection where construction works were being done on the road.
The five victims comprised the drivers of the two vehicles, and three passengers in the bus, including a child.
While the remains of the victims were deposited at the SOS Mortuary, Ipara, our correspondent learnt that officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps took the injured to Ife-Oluwa Hospital and Ibadan Centre Hospital.
The accident was said to have caused gridlock on the expressway, which was later cleared by the traffic officers and some policemen attached to the Ogun State Police Command.
The FRSC Commander, Ogunmakin Unit, David Ogunjana, confirmed that the accident was caused by speeding, adding that the driver of the Mazda bus had been warned by other motorists, but he refused to heed the warning.
He said, “The commercial bus was taking some Muslims to Ibadan; it was a loaded bus. The Mitsubishi car was coming to Lagos and there were two people in it. Because of the public holiday, the traffic was light.
“The bus driver was attempting to overtake the car at a section of the expressway where construction is ongoing. He, however, miscalculated and ram into it. The bus driver and that of the private car died on the spot. Two passengers sitting beside the commercial bus driver also died. A woman, sitting at the back of the driver, was also killed.
“While we were clearing the wreckage, some motorists, who met us at the scene, said they had warned the bus driver to reduce his speed, but he refused to listen to them. They said he made abusive gestures at them and continued speeding till he killed himself and other people.
“The accident was avoidable because the road was free and there was no reason for him to speed. Some of the passengers said they were going to their hometown to celebrate the Sallah with their family members.”
The Sector Commander, FRSC, Ogun State, Mr. Adegoke Adetunji, said the vehicles had been towed away from the scene.
He said, “The accident happened at about 3.45pm. A total of 20 people were involved. Among them, five died and 15 sustained injuries. Among the dead were three male adults, one woman and a child. The injured were taken to Ife-Oluwa Hospital and Ibadan Centre Hospital and the vehicles towed away to restore traffic flow. Drivers are advised to be patient and avoid wrongful overtaking as they drive through the construction area.”