Six die, two injured in Ota toll gate crash

No fewer than six persons were confirmed dead on Tuesday morning following a ghastly multiple-vehicle collision at the Sango-Ota Toll gate area along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State.

Two others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crash, which involved a Mack tanker laden with groundnut oil, a commercial tricycle (Marwa), and a Suzuki mini-bus (Korope).

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the incident occurred when the tanker driver, reportedly travelling from Ota toward Lagos, lost control and rammed into other vehicles and pedestrians around the tollgate.

The impact caused panic among commuters and residents, as emergency responders including the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) led by the Ota Divisional Commander, Salau Hammed worked to extricate trapped victims from the wreckage.

Confirming the incident, TRACE Spokesperson Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi disclosed that no fewer than six vehicles were affected.

He listed the vehicles involved as a truck with registration number EKY 913YH, a Suzuki mini-bus with registration number SMK 16YK, and a TVS tricycle with registration number AAA 840QM, among others.

Akinbiyi stated that the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Ifo State Mortuary, while injured victims were rushed to the Ogun State Hospital, Ota, for medical attention.

The crash caused a massive traffic gridlock on the busy expressway, disrupting movement between Lagos and Ogun States for several hours.

In his reaction, the TRACE spokesman urged motorists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and exercise caution on major highways to prevent further loss of lives.