11 Vehicles Involved in Multiple Crash at Sango-Ota Tollgate

11 Vehicles Involved in Multiple Crash at Sango-Ota Tollgate

By Tope Bankole

No fewer than 11 vehicles were involved in a multiple road accident on Tuesday night at the Sango-Ota Tollgate section of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ogun State, following a reported brake failure involving a Mercedes-Benz truck.

The crash, which occurred at about 10 p.m. near the former Shoprite building, caused panic among motorists and passengers travelling along the busy expressway, with many fleeing in different directions to avoid being caught in the collision.

Preliminary information obtained by The Details News from first responders indicated that the truck was descending the slope towards Lagos when its brakes reportedly failed, causing the driver to lose control and collide with 10 other vehicles.

The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), which responded to the incident, provided the list of vehicles involved in the crash.

They included a green Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number JJT167XH; a black Toyota Camry (MUS745KP); a yellow Suzuki bus (LSD647YN); another black Toyota Camry (LND862HA); a green Acura MDX (MU684KU); an ash Lexus Jeep (KSF966HF); a black GAC vehicle (KTU702EY); a yellow Bajaj Maruwa (BDS031VC); a yellow TVS Maruwa (EKY870GG); a black Mitsubishi (JBY529AA); and a blue Ford Transit whose registration number was unavailable.

An account obtained exclusively from the Ota Divisional Command described the incident as a “serious multiple road traffic accident.”

According to an eyewitness account contained in the report, the Mercedes-Benz truck, which was travelling towards Lagos, reportedly lost control, resulting in the collision involving the other vehicles.

Two persons, a man and a woman, reportedly sustained injuries in the accident, while several other road users escaped unhurt.

Following the intervention of emergency responders and traffic management officials, several of the affected vehicles were evacuated from the scene, restoring the free flow of traffic along the expressway.

However, the containerised truck remained at the scene pending the arrival of a crane to facilitate its removal. The Ford Transit was also trapped and was expected to be evacuated after the truck had been removed.

The latest incident has again drawn attention to the recurring road crashes around the Sango-Ota Tollgate corridor, a busy section of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway that has recorded several accidents, including fatal incidents.

Despite efforts by the Ogun State Government and relevant traffic management agencies to improve traffic regulation and safety in the area, challenges associated with road-user conduct and roadside trading continue to affect traffic movement.

Commercial drivers and motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders, have been accused of obstructing traffic at the exit point from Ilo-Awela towards Tollgate, particularly where vehicles attempt to access the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway in the direction of Lagos.

The obstruction reportedly creates congestion and restricts the movement of other motorists along the corridor.

Unauthorised roadside trading has also contributed to the challenges, with some traders displaying their goods along sections bordering the expressway.

The latest crash has renewed concerns over road safety, traffic discipline and the need for sustained enforcement of traffic regulations around the Sango-Ota axis.