Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
OTA, OGUN STATE — Six people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a fatal road crash along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway at the Old Toll Gate axis in Ota, after a truck reportedly suffered brake failure and rammed into multiple vehicles.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed that the accident occurred in the early afternoon at one of the busiest sections of the highway, a corridor that links Lagos with Ogun State and serves as a major route for commuters, industrial transporters, and interstate travelers.
According to preliminary findings by FRSC personnel who responded to the scene, the articulated truck was descending toward the Ota Old Toll Gate when it allegedly lost braking capacity. The driver reportedly attempted to maneuver the vehicle but was unable to regain control before crashing into vehicles waiting in traffic.
Eyewitnesses said the truck ploughed into several vehicles, including commercial buses and private cars, crushing smaller vehicles in front of it. The force of the collision left some occupants trapped inside mangled wreckage. Bystanders were said to have initiated rescue efforts before emergency responders arrived.
FRSC officials confirmed that six persons were pronounced dead at the scene, while others sustained injuries ranging from fractures to severe trauma. The injured victims were evacuated to nearby medical facilities in Ota for treatment. Authorities withheld the identities of the deceased pending notification of their families.
A senior FRSC official at the scene stated that preliminary mechanical inspection suggested brake system failure, though a comprehensive technical assessment of the truck would be conducted to determine whether poor maintenance, overloading, or mechanical wear contributed to the malfunction.
Brake failure remains one of the leading causes of high-impact crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles in Nigeria. Road safety data consistently show that articulated trucks and tankers are disproportionately involved in fatal highway accidents due to their weight and momentum. When braking systems fail, particularly on downhill approaches or congested corridors, the resulting collisions are often catastrophic.
The Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway is widely regarded as one of the most congested highways in southwestern Nigeria. The Ota Old Toll Gate axis, in particular, experiences frequent gridlock because it serves residential communities, industrial estates, and commercial centers. High traffic density increases the severity of accidents when mechanical faults occur.
Traffic was temporarily halted in both directions as emergency responders cleared debris and towed damaged vehicles away from the carriageway. The disruption lasted several hours, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and forcing many to seek alternative routes through adjoining streets.
Officials from the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps also assisted in managing traffic flow during the recovery operation. Security personnel were deployed to prevent secondary accidents and maintain order as crowds gathered near the crash site.
Road safety experts emphasize that routine vehicle inspection and enforcement of roadworthiness standards are critical in preventing brake-related accidents. Commercial transport operators are legally required to maintain vehicles in safe working condition, including regular inspection of braking systems, tires, and steering mechanisms.
In previous nationwide safety advisories, the FRSC has warned transport companies and independent truck operators against overloading and neglecting mechanical servicing. Overloaded vehicles place excessive strain on brake components, increasing the likelihood of system failure, especially during prolonged use on busy highways.
Local authorities expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated the need for strict adherence to safety regulations. They also urged motorists to report visibly unsafe vehicles to enforcement agencies.
Community leaders in Ota described the crash as a tragic reminder of persistent road safety challenges. Residents noted that while infrastructure expansion projects have been undertaken in parts of Ogun State, enforcement of maintenance standards for commercial vehicles remains inconsistent.
Nigeria continues to record thousands of road traffic incidents annually, with a significant percentage involving heavy trucks. Safety advocates argue that beyond enforcement, there is a need for improved driver training, installation of speed-limiting devices, and increased roadside inspection points.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to release a detailed incident report outlining the precise mechanical cause of the crash and any potential liability. If negligence is established, the vehicle owner or operator could face legal consequences under existing traffic and safety laws.
For now, the tragedy has once again highlighted the vulnerability of commuters along one of Nigeria’s busiest highways and renewed calls for stronger compliance with mechanical safety standards to prevent future loss of life.
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