By Ademola Ade
Nine people were killed on Monday when a commercial bus and a truck collided along the JBD/ORE route in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The fatal crash occurred at about 4:55 p.m. in the Bethel area, within the Ijebu-Ode Unit Command, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
In a press statement by Afolabi Odunsi, Chief Route Commander and Sector Public Education Officer, FRSC Ogun State Sector Command, the vehicles involved were a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus, with registration number 14B-299DT, operated by Delta Line, and a white Sino Truck, with registration number AAB162XD, belonging to Bill Gas Solution Ltd.
The FRSC said all nine occupants of the two vehicles died in the crash.
Speeding suspected
The road safety agency said the crash occurred while it was raining and the road surface was wet.
“Preliminary investigation identified speed violation (SPV) as the probable cause of the crash,” the statement said.
The FRSC said its rescue team arrived at the scene within two minutes of receiving the distress report at about 4:58 p.m.
The bodies of the victims were evacuated and deposited at the General Hospital morgue, Ijebu-Ode.
The two vehicles were subsequently towed to Ilese Police Station by the Ilese Police Motor Traffic Division.
FRSC warns motorists
The Sector Commander, FRSC Ogun State Command, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists, particularly commercial vehicle operators, to exercise extreme caution while driving in rainy conditions.
Ogunjobi advised drivers to obey speed limits, maintain safe following distances and avoid any behaviour that could endanger other road users.
He warned that speeding on wet roads was particularly hazardous because reduced tyre grip and visibility could make it difficult for motorists to maintain control or stop safely.
The FRSC expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged motorists and other road users to make safety a priority at all times.
