Six lives were lost in a series of road traffic crashes on Kara Bridge, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command, confirmed the loss of lives in a statement the Sector Public Education Officer, SRC Oluwadamilola Jayeola, issued on Thursday.
Jayeola who stated that the crashes which occurred between October 29 and 30, also noted that they involved multiple vehicles at different times and resulted in injuries, and significant traffic disruption.
“The first crash took place on October 29 around 20.00 hours and involved two white DAF trucks (Reg Nos. GGE 24 YJ and SBG 192 XB), with seven male passengers that did not sustain any death or injury.
“The probable cause of the crash is speeding, which resulted in loss of control.
“Also, the obstruction was promptly cleared by FRSC personnel in conjunction with Ojodu-Abiodun Police Division,’’ she said.
The officer, however, said that operatives responded promptly to all the crashes within minutes.
She added that operatives ensured quick rescue operations, removal of obstructions, and restoration of traffic flow.
Jayeola said that the second crash happened on October 29 at about 21.40 hours.
She said it involved two unidentified DAF trucks with six male passengers, of which two sustained injuries, while four died.
She said that the Injured victims were evacuated: one taken to AZ Hospital, Magboro and the other to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre, Ojota.
The officer added that joint rescue operations were carried out by FRSC, the Nigeria Police, and the Lagos State Fire Service.
“The third crash happened at 22.15 hours involving a lone yellow truck (details yet to be confirmed); three male persons were involved with one killed.
“The probable cause of the crash is reckless overtaking and loss of control.
“The deceased was conveyed to a mortuary by an ambulance from the Lagos State Ministry of Health,” she said.
Jayeola said that the fourth crash happened Thursday by 0520 hours, involving a tow truck (blue) and another truck (still submerged in the Isheri River at the time of report).
She said that five male passengers were involved; two injured, while one, or more were killed, pending retrieval operations from the Isheri River.
“Recovery operations are ongoing as FRSC, the Nigeria Police, and Lagos State emergency services are working to remove the submerged truck and clear the scene for normal traffic flow,” she said.
She pointed out that the crashes within a short timeframe around Kara Bridge underscored the dangers of speeding.
The Sector Commander, Kehinde Hamzat, appealed to motorists, especially truck drivers and fleet operators, to obey all road traffic regulations.
Hamzat also cautioned motorists to avoid overspeeding, distractions while driving and night journeys.
He urged motorists to ensure vehicles were roadworthy and properly maintained.
“Always drive within speed limits and stay alert behind the wheel, “Hamzat said. (NAN)
