Three Dead as Volvo Truck Plunges Into Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway Ditch

OGUN — A fatal lone accident at the Railway Crossing along the Abeokuta–Lagos Expressway has claimed three lives and left one person severely injured. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Command, confirmed the tragedy occurred during the early hours of Sunday morning. A white Volvo commercial truck, bearing registration number AYE 977 XA, lost control and plunged into a roadside ditch. Consequently, emergency responders found seven individuals—five males and two females—involved in the high-impact collision. While it is true that three victims died instantly, three others survived the harrowing ordeal without physical injuries. This incident highlights the persistent dangers of navigating critical transit corridors under the cover of darkness.

Initial investigations by the FRSC identify excessive speeding as the primary cause of the mechanical failure. The driver reportedly struggled to maintain traction before the heavy-duty vehicle veered off the asphalt. Furthermore, a combined team of FRSC, TRACE, and the Nigeria Police Force executed a rapid rescue operation. Operatives successfully extricated the survivors from the mangled wreckage while clearing the route for morning commuters. Indeed, family members have already moved the sole injured victim to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi. Simultaneously, the remains of the deceased were released to their respective families for immediate burial arrangements.

The Ogun State Sector Commander, Akinwunmi Fasakin, has issued a stern warning to all commercial motorists. He emphasized that reckless driving at railway crossings significantly increases the risk of preventable fatal accidents. In a related development, the Command has proposed increased patrol visibility at known “black spots” across the state. Granted, the road remains a vital economic artery, but nighttime speed limit violations continue to rise. Notably, TRACE officials helped manage the resulting traffic gridlock to ensure a seamless flow for Lagos-bound travelers. Above all, the Sector Commander urged drivers to prioritize the sanctity of life over delivery deadlines.

Significantly, the Railway Crossing has long been flagged by residents as a zone requiring better illumination. Subsequently, the State Government has been urged to install reflective road signs and speed breakers near the crossing. Although the wreckage was cleared by midday, the trauma of the “Sunday dawn” crash lingers for the survivors. Therefore, the FRSC must move from mere advisories to stringent roadside speed monitoring using modern radar technology.

Finally, the focus of the Command shifts to verifying the mechanical roadworthiness of the involved Volvo truck. As a result of this crash, the call for mandatory “Fatigue Management” for long-distance drivers has gained momentum.