A devastating bus crash on the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Expressway in Nigeria has resulted in the loss of at least 10 lives, with three others injured. The accident, which involved a Mitsubishi bus, occurred on Friday at approximately 8:30 p.m. at Ome Bridge, Awa, along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan highway in Ijebu North Local Government Area.
According to Babatunde Akinbiyi, spokesperson for the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) in Ogun, the bus was carrying 15 passengers at the time of the crash. Tragically, seven male and three female passengers lost their lives, while three others were injured. However, a toddler and one adult miraculously escaped the accident unscathed.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident was caused by overspeeding and wrongful overtaking. Eyewitnesses reported that the driver attempted to overtake another vehicle at high speed but lost control after noticing an oncoming vehicle. The bus subsequently veered off the road, hit an abandoned gravel pile beside the bridge, and plunged into the river.
Akinbiyi explained the events leading up to the accident, stating, “Eyewitnesses said the driver wrongly overtook another vehicle at high speed and could not regain control after noticing an oncoming vehicle. The driver veered off the road, hit an abandoned gravel pile beside the bridge, and plunged the vehicle into the river.” The deceased were taken to the Ijebu-Ode General Hospital’s morgue, while the injured are being treated at the same facility.
In the wake of this tragic incident, Akinbiyi urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads, emphasizing the importance of avoiding speeding and nighttime travel. As the investigation into the accident continues, concerns about road safety in the region are once again brought to the forefront. The accident serves as a stark reminder of the need for responsible driving practices and the importance of prioritizing safety on our roads.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and authorities are working to ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future. As the families of the victims come to terms with their loss, the emphasis on road safety and responsible driving practices will undoubtedly be reinforced. The accident is a sobering reminder of the importance of being vigilant and cautious on our roads, and the need for drivers to prioritize the safety of themselves and their passengers at all times.
