The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of seven persons in a tragic motor accident along the Okene-Osara-Lokoja Highway in Kogi State.
Arise News gathered that a commercial Siena bus reportedly rammed into a parked heavy-duty truck in Osara, leading to the death of seven persons, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja on Monday, the Kogi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lawal Fagge, said the ill-fated vehicle departed Auchi in Edo State and was heading for Abuja, conveying passengers travelling to different destinations, including Abaji in the Federal Capital Territory.
He traced the cause of the accident to overspeeding, fatigue and bad tyres.
The FRSC Sector Commander disclosed that the dead victims had since been deposited at the morgue.
“The fatal accident happened along Okene-Osara-Lokoja road here in Kogi State. The Siena bus carrying nine passengers took off from Auchi Edo State and was heading to Abuja before the tragic incident occurred. The driver was overspeeding and suddenly had a flat tyre before he rammed into a stationary truck that was undergoing repairs. Six persons from the Siena bus lost their lives while the motor boy of the stationary truck also died. Three persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“Immediately the incident happened, my officers within the Okene-Osara jurisdiction immediately swung into action for a rescue mission. Three victims were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention,” Fagge stated.
He urged motorists to avoid excessive speeding, ensure that their vehicles are in good condition, remain vigilant while driving, and exercise caution around broken-down or stationary vehicles to minimise avoidable accidents.
The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over road safety along the Okene-Lokoja corridor, one of Nigeria’s busiest highways linking the southern and northern parts of the country. The route has witnessed several fatal crashes over the years, prompting repeated calls for stricter compliance with traffic regulations and improved safety measures.
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