Many Passengers Feared Dead as Bus Crashes into Truck on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on New Year’s Day
A tragic road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway has left many passengers feared dead after a commercial bus rammed into a truck near the NASFAT junction on New Year’s Day, casting a dark shadow over the first day of 2026.
According to details obtained by Akahi News, the fatal crash occurred on Thursday when an 18-seater commercial bus travelling from Lagos reportedly collided with a truck that was attempting to make a U-turn along the busy expressway. The impact was severe, causing the bus to slide underneath the truck and trapping several passengers inside.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint Grim Picture
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a chaotic and distressing situation as emergency responders and residents struggled to rescue trapped victims. A video recorded by a journalist at the scene reportedly showed unconscious passengers lying on the road, while others were still pinned inside the crushed vehicle.
According to reports, rescue efforts were ongoing as of press time, with emergency workers racing against time to save survivors. The full casualty figure had yet to be officially confirmed.
FRSC Confirms Incident, Awaits Full Report
The spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State, Afolabi Odunsi-Oyewole, confirmed that the command had been alerted to the accident but noted that a comprehensive report was still being compiled.
“Rescue operations are ongoing, and further details will be made available once the situation is fully assessed,” he reportedly stated.
Fresh Safety Concerns as Similar Tragedy Claims Students’ Lives
In a related development, Akahi News gathered that a separate road tragedy recently claimed the lives of eight students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), further intensifying concerns about road safety, especially during festive periods.
According to SaharaReporters, the fatal incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. along Zaria Road, opposite Unity Bank, when a bus conveying 11 students collided with a trailer. The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed that seven students were already dead upon arrival of emergency responders, while another later died in the hospital. Three others, all male, are currently receiving treatment.
Renewed Calls for Caution and Enforcement
The twin tragedies have renewed public calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, improved highway safety measures, and greater caution among commercial drivers, especially during peak travel seasons such as the New Year.
Observers say reckless driving, poor visibility at night, and dangerous manoeuvres such as illegal U-turns continue to claim innocent lives on Nigeria’s highways.
As investigations continue, families of the victims and the wider public await official updates, hoping such devastating incidents will prompt stronger safety reforms.
Akahi News will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as they emerge.
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