A fatal accident at Otedola Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Tuesday has been attributed to brake failure, leading to multiple collisions involving 15 vehicles.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in a statement issued by its spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide on Wednesday, confirmed that the accident claimed two lives and left five others injured.
According to FRSC officials, the mechanical failure in one of the vehicles—believed to be a gas truck—triggered the crash during peak traffic hours, causing widespread gridlock.
Reacting to the incident, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed stressed the need for rigorous maintenance checks, particularly for vehicles transporting hazardous goods.
He warned fleet managers and drivers against negligence, stressing that violations of road safety regulations would attract sanctions.
He urged transport operators to prioritise the condition of their vehicles to prevent similar tragedies, adding that the FRSC would intensify enforcement efforts to curb mechanical failures on highways.
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The Corps Marshal also reminded road users to report unsafe vehicles and emergency situations through the FRSC’s toll-free emergency line, 122.
“The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, who expressed his displeasure over the preventable crash, called on all fleet managers to prioritise safety precautions in fleet management.
“He warned against neglecting necessary safety measures, stating that appropriate sanctions would continue to be imposed on drivers and vehicle owners who compromise safety at the expense of other road users, in accordance with the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations.
“He affirmed that the FRSC will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all road users and will not hesitate to deploy resources and expertise to respond to any emergency situation.
“The Corps Marshal also urged all road users to remain vigilant and report any emergency situations to the FRSC or other relevant authorities through the Corps’ toll-free emergency line, 122,” the statement read in part.
