A devastating lone accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has left four people dead and several others injured, according to the Ogun State Police Command. The incident, which occurred Sunday night in the Alapako area of Obafemi Owode Local Government, involved a Toyota Hiace bus (registration FKJ570YE) that veered out of control after a tyre burst.

Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola, in a statement from Abeokuta, confirmed that the driver was among the four fatalities pronounced lifeless at the scene. Nine other passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe. The bus, heavily damaged in the crash, became a grim reminder of the split-second dangers on Nigeria’s roads.

Responding swiftly, police officers managed traffic, cleared onlookers, and documented the scene with video evidence. The injured were rushed to Victory Hospital in Ogere for urgent care, while the deceased were taken to FOS Mortuary in Ipara for autopsies.

Authorities suspect poor vehicle maintenance as the culprit behind the tragedy, pointing to the punctured tyre that triggered the driver’s loss of control. In light of this, the Ogun State Police Command has renewed its call for motorists to prioritize regular vehicle checks and comply with traffic safety rules. “Prevention is within our reach,” the statement emphasized, urging drivers to take responsibility for safer roads.

This latest accident underscores a persistent challenge on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways. How many more wake-up calls do we need before road safety becomes a collective priority?