Tragedy Strikes as Five Die in Fatal Ile-Ife Road Accident

In a tragic turn of events, five individuals lost their lives in a horrific road accident involving a commercial bus and a gas tanker on the Ife/Ibadan/Lagos Expressway in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday.

The fatal collision caused significant gridlock, leaving travellers stranded on the busy highway for hours.

The accident, which took place on September 12, 2024, has since been confirmed by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Kehinde Adeleke, the NSCDC spokesperson, released a statement on Friday detailing the incident and confirming the number of casualties.

According to Adeleke, the crash occurred when a gas tanker collided with a commercial bus, commonly referred to as ‘Sabo-Lagere’. The bus was transporting 17 passengers when the tanker swerved and overran it, crushing several occupants to death.

The collision forced both vehicles off the road, sending them into a ditch along the Ibadan Expressway, specifically at Ajebandele, Ile-Ife.

The impact of the crash was devastating. Emergency responders were called to the scene immediately, but for five of the passengers, it was too late. Among the deceased were two men, two women, and a young child.

Their bodies were recovered from the wreckage and subsequently deposited at the morgue of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife.

The victims’ identities were not immediately disclosed, as authorities worked to notify their families.

The crash left the remaining passengers in critical condition, and they were rushed to nearby medical facilities for urgent care.

The gas tanker, carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), added an extra layer of danger to the scene, prompting swift action from emergency personnel to prevent further disaster.

In his statement, Adeleke described the accident as a deeply unfortunate and avoidable tragedy. He explained that the NSCDC Zonal Command in Ile-Ife was notified around noon, and officers were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

Due to the hazardous nature of the materials involved – specifically the LPG carried by the tanker – additional reinforcements from the NSCDC headquarters in Abere were also mobilised to secure the area and assist in the recovery operation.

“The crash was reported to our Zonal Command at approximately 12 noon, and we responded immediately,” Adeleke stated. “Our team, alongside other emergency services, worked tirelessly to clear the wreckage and ensure the safety of travellers in the area.

Given the involvement of a gas tanker, it was critical that we acted swiftly to prevent a potential explosion or further casualties.”

Adeleke also emphasised that the incident could have been prevented if proper safety measures had been observed. “This was an avoidable tragedy,” he lamented.

“Drivers need to exercise caution, especially when dealing with vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Speed limits and road safety rules exist for a reason – to protect lives.”

In addition to the loss of life, the accident caused significant disruption along the Ife/Ibadan/Lagos Expressway.

The crash site became a bottleneck, trapping hundreds of travellers in a gridlock that lasted for several hours. Commuters heading to Lagos and other destinations were forced to wait as authorities worked to clear the road.

Traffic management agencies were called in to direct vehicles and restore order. However, the presence of the overturned gas tanker posed challenges, as officials had to ensure that the area was safely cleared without triggering a dangerous spill or fire.

The road was eventually reopened later in the day, but the incident left many shaken and delayed.

Following the accident, there has been renewed focus on road safety, particularly along major highways like the Ife/Ibadan/Lagos Expressway, which sees a high volume of traffic.

The road has long been notorious for accidents, many of which result from reckless driving, speeding, and poor vehicle maintenance.

Adeleke used the incident as an opportunity to call on all drivers, especially those handling heavy-duty vehicles like gas tankers, to adhere strictly to speed limits and other traffic regulations.

He stressed that the lives lost in accidents like these are irreplaceable and urged road users to prioritise safety over speed.

“Incidents like this should serve as a wake-up call to all drivers.

It is not enough to simply operate a vehicle; drivers must also be aware of their surroundings, maintain safe driving practices, and ensure their vehicles are in good working condition,” Adeleke remarked.

The NSCDC, along with other agencies, has vowed to step up enforcement of road safety regulations, particularly for commercial drivers and those transporting hazardous materials.

These efforts are aimed at reducing the frequency of such devastating accidents and ensuring that Nigeria’s roads are safer for all users.

The tragic accident in Ile-Ife serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that lie on Nigeria’s roads. With five lives lost and many more left traumatised, the incident underscores the urgent need for stricter road safety enforcement and greater awareness among drivers.

While the immediate priority is providing support to the victims and their families, there is a long-term need to address the root causes of such accidents and work towards creating safer highways for all.