No fewer than six persons have been confirmed dead, while two others sustained injuries in a multiple crash that occurred around 8 a.m. on Tuesday at the Old Toll Gate, Ota, along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.
The crash involved an articulated vehicle, a vegetable oil tanker with registration number EKY 913 YH, and two other vehicles.
According to the spokesperson for the Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Afolabi Odunsi-Oyewole, the tanker reportedly suffered brake failure while navigating the busy toll gate area, causing the driver to lose control and ram into other vehicles and bystanders.
“A tragic road traffic crash occurred today at approximately 08:00 hrs at the Old Toll Gate, Ota. The incident resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to two others,” Odunsi-Oyewole said in a statement.
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He disclosed that six adults — five males and one female — were confirmed dead, while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The FRSC rescue team evacuated the victims to Ota General Hospital, where the injured are currently receiving treatment. The remains of the deceased were deposited at the Ifo General Hospital morgue.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area visited the scene to commiserate with the families of the victims.
The council boss ordered the immediate removal of illegal traders occupying the road verges at the Old Toll Gate to prevent future occurrences.
He also pledged the local government’s support to the FRSC and other security agencies in enforcing the directive.
The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Akinwunmi Fasakin, urged motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, to ensure thorough mechanical checks before embarking on any journey, reaffirming the corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property.