What began as a busy Tuesday morning along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway turned tragic when a tanker truck reportedly lost its brakes and rammed into vehicles and people gathered near the old toll gate in Ota.

By the time emergency responders arrived, seven lives had been lost; six men and one woman. Two others, a man and a woman, were pulled from the wreckage with critical injuries and rushed to Ota General Hospital. The deceased were later moved to Ifo General Hospital.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, the crash happened around 8:00 a.m. and involved a vegetable oil tanker and two other vehicles. Preliminary findings suggest the articulated truck, with registration number EKY 913 YH, suffered mechanical brake failure before the driver lost control in the crowded toll gate area.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene; twisted metal, scattered goods, and bystanders scrambling to help before sirens filled the air.

Governor Dapo Abiodun described the crash as “painful and unacceptable,” stressing that the loss of innocent lives due to negligence cannot be ignored. He has ordered an immediate investigation and said anyone found responsible will face the law.

Traffic enforcement agencies, including the police and road safety officials, have been directed to tighten monitoring along the busy Sango–Ota corridor, a vital link between Ogun State and neighboring Lagos that sees heavy daily movement of trucks and commuters.

The FRSC’s Ogun Sector Command also urged operators of articulated vehicles to take maintenance more seriously, warning that preventable mechanical faults continue to cost lives.

Local government officials visited the scene shortly after the crash, promising stronger enforcement against roadside trading and other activities that increase risk along the expressway.

For many residents and commuters, Tuesday’s crash is a painful reminder of a recurring fear, that one failed brake or one ignored safety check can shatter families in seconds.

Investigations are ongoing.