Barely 24 hours after a CNG-laden tanker collapsed near Karu Bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.

The incidence occurred at about 3:54pm on Thursday afternoon.

The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.

She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.

“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja Keffi expressway. Thankfully no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.

“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.

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Several people were feared dead on Tuesday night after a speeding 40-foot container truck lost control and rammed into multiple vehicles at Idemili Junction, near Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The accident, which involved a shuttle bus and several tricycles, was reportedly caused by brake failure as the truck descended a slope, leaving passersby and commuters trapped.

An eyewitness at the scene recounted the chaotic moments, saying, “The trailer lost its brakes while descending and the driver struggled with the steering but eventually lost control. It crashed into some tricycles loading passengers at the junction and a shuttle bus, trapping people, including bystanders waiting for vehicles.”

Passersby and residents launched a rescue operation before the arrival of emergency responders, including personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Videos circulating on social media showed trapped victims and mangled vehicles, while FRSC officials and policemen were seen coordinating rescue efforts and managing traffic around the area.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the FRSC in Anambra, Margaret Onabe, said she was awaiting a detailed report from officers at the scene and would provide further updates as soon as possible.

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An Acura SUV reportedly lost control and collided head-on with a commercial Volkswagen bus, commonly known as Danfo, at College, inwards Ikotun, Lagos State, on Sunday.

The incident resulted in multiple casualties, causing a buildup of traffic in the area.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) disclosed this in a post on X.com on Sunday.

The post read: “An Acura SUV lost control and collided head-on with a commercial Volkswagen bus at College, inwards Ikotun.

“Multiple casualties involved, and traffic is beginning to backlog as a result.

“Our men are strategically positioned to ensure safety and manage alternative traffic routes.”

Watch video here

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has reviewed downwards the cost of its diesel product to N1,020 per litre from N1,075 per litre in an effort to better serve its customers and Nigerians in general.

Since it began diesel production in January 2024, the refinery has reduced the price of diesel more than three times, from an initial N1,700 per litre to the current rate, thus providing much-needed relief to manufacturers and consumers alike.

The latest reduction of N55 per litre for diesel follows the revelation by Development Economist and Public Policy Analyst, Prof. Ken Ife,who said, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery sacrificed over N10 billion to ensure the availability of petrol at a uniform price across the country during the yuletide period. He also praised the refinery for setting a new benchmark in Nigeria’s energy sector by unlocking vast opportunities for export revenue.

Speaking on the transformative impact of the refinery on Arise TV, Prof. Ife explained that for years, the equalisation fund had been responsible for managing the price differentials and transportation costs involved in distributing petroleum across the country. However, it has been reported that the fund owes marketers over N80 billion, according to the development analyst.

“What has actually happened is that the president has shifted the subsidy burden away from the public purse and onto the private sector. The equalisation fund, which was meant to cover the price differential and transportation costs, plays a crucial role. If petroleum is to be sold across the country at a set price, then transportation costs must be accounted for to ensure this is possible. That’s the purpose of equalisation. However, the equalisation fund is reported to owe around N80 billion to the marketers, and this issue is still under discussion.

“During the Christmas season, which is traditionally the most challenging period, we often face shortages of petroleum, petrol hoarding, and arbitrary price hikes, all of which impact the cost of food. In response, during this last yuletide, the Dangote Group made the decision to absorb the costs. They equalised the price themselves, at a cost of over N10 billion. In doing so, they effectively absorbed the subsidy,” he said.

Prof Ife also said,  the facility is steering Nigeria away from its traditional focus on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) towards a diversified range of petroleum-based exports.

He added that with major international players such as BP and Saudi Aramco purchasing refined products from Nigeria, the country is swiftly becoming a key player in the global petroleum market.

The analyst expressed confidence that Nigeria is on the path to self-sufficiency in petroleum products, while simultaneously positioning itself as an energy export powerhouse

Two people have been reported dead, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries in two separate accidents on Saturday along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway and the Ile-Oba area of the Ogijo/Ita-Oluwo/Ikorodu Road.

The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Sunday.

Odutola stated that the accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which occurred at about 9 a.m., claimed one life, while five others were injured.

She said, “The accident involved a Mack 40-ft container truck with registration number T-24572 LA, driven by Mr Sanni Saifullahi of AY and Rolly’s Ventures, Magodo, Lagos, and a Toyota Sienna vehicle with registration number FST 525 YJ, driven by Mr Sunday Okpe of Miracle Ultima International Ltd.

“According to preliminary investigations, the Toyota Sienna was en route from Osun State to Lagos, carrying seven passengers. The driver reportedly lost control of the steering and crashed into the rear of the container truck.

“The impact led to the tragic death of a passenger, Ms Miracle Chibuzor of Miracle Ultima International Ltd, who was seated in the front seat. Five other occupants sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly transported by motor traffic police to Famobis Hospital, Lotto, Mowe, for medical treatment.”

The deceased’s body was evacuated to Idera Mortuary for an autopsy and official death certification by medical practitioners.
Traffic police officers also visited the scene to ease congestion and prevent further accidents caused by onlookers. The wreckage of the vehicles involved was towed to the Sagamu Police Station for safekeeping and inspection by Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO).

Similarly, the crash along the Ogijo/Ita-Oluwo/Ikorodu Road, which occurred at about 8 a.m., involved a TVS tricycle with plate number Lagos BDG 561QN, driven by 21-year-old Usman Abdullahi, and a female pedestrian whose identity remains unknown.

Odutola stated, “Preliminary reports indicated that the pedestrian was attempting to cross the road when the tricycle, en route to the Ogijo main park, struck her.

“As a result, she sustained severe head injuries and was immediately rushed to Omowunmi Hospital in Kusela, Ogijo, for urgent medical attention. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment.”

Police officers who were first responders took swift action to secure the accident scene, conduct measurements, and gather photographic evidence.

The tricycle wreckage was impounded at the police station for further inspection by VIO officers, while the driver, Usman Abdullahi, is currently in police custody as investigations continue.

Efforts are ongoing to transfer the deceased’s body to the morgue for preservation and an autopsy.

Meanwhile, the police lamented the recklessness of some commercial drivers who prioritise financial gain over passenger safety.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has urged drivers to maintain a safe distance from heavy-duty vehicles and exercise caution while driving to prevent avoidable accidents.

Lewis Hamilton has crashed his Ferrari during the team’s pre-season testing programme in Spain.

The seven-time champion was unhurt after losing control of the team’s 2023 car at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Wednesday.

Ferrari declined to comment on the incident, which happened on Hamilton’s second day of running at the Spanish track, where he is sharing the car with team-mate Charles Leclerc.

The incident happened as Ferrari sought to embed Hamilton into the team as effectively as possible before the start of the season at the Australian Grand Prix on 14-16 March.

Ferrari regard the crash as nothing abnormal as Hamilton learns the characteristics of an unfamiliar car after 12 years with Mercedes, within the significant restrictions imposed on testing in F1.

Ferrari are running a limited programme in the 2023 car, the most recent model Hamilton is allowed to drive.

F1’s testing restrictions dictate that current race drivers can complete a maximum of 1,000km (621 miles) of what is known as TPC (testing of previous cars) running.

Hamilton completed 30 laps at the team’s Fiorano test track on 22 January before he and Leclerc moved on to this week’s three days of running at Barcelona, home of the Spanish Grand Prix.

Ferrari are giving no details of the test, where Hamilton is learning Ferrari’s procedures and working methods and building an understanding with race engineer Riccardo Adami and the rest of the engineering group.

Ferrari will launch their 2025 car at Fiorano on 19 February, the day after F1’s season launch event at the O2 in London.

Ferrari will give Hamilton further testing miles before the launch in a Pirelli-run tyre test.

The team will run for two days next week, also at Barcelona, on 4-5 February in a 2025 car modified to reflect the effect of the new regulations being introduced for 2026.

McLaren are conducting a similar Pirelli test at Paul Ricard in France this week as the Italian company seeks to define its 2026 product.

The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency says no fewer than 132 people lost their lives to different road crashes across the state in 2024.

TheNigerian Metro learnt from a 2024 TRACE Agency Report sent to our correspondent on Sunday that 655 people sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crashes.

According to the report, 91 male adults, seven male children, 29 female adults and five female children were killed in the crashes.

The report analysis indicated that 408 male adults, 31 male children, 209 female adults and seven female children were injured in road crashes between January and December 2024.

The report further indicated that total fatal accidents accounted for 16 per cent, serious accidents shared 79 per cent, and minor accidents accounted for five per cent.

According to the report, commercial vehicles were the most involved in road traffic crashes, constituting 73 per cent of the crashes while private vehicles shared a smaller chunk of 27 per cent.

Further checks revealed that the major causes of road traffic crashes were excessive speeding, which contributed 45 per cent to the incidents, followed by mechanical faults at 19 per cent, reckless driving at 14 per cent, wrong-way driving at 11 per cent, and tyre bursts at four per cent, among other factors.

Reacting to the statistics, the TRACE  spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi, stressed the need for drivers to shun speeding while on the highway.

He added that though the statistics showed a decline in road crashes compared to previous years, the crashes could be further reduced if road users would comply with traffic laws and regulations.

He said, “The statistics showed a decline in road traffic crashes compared to last year. These crashes can be reduced if road users especially drivers comply with the various traffic laws and regulations.

“Drivers should shun speeding, ensure their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on road journeys and be safety conscious at all times.”

Akinbiyi added that the agency would continue to foster safety across its coverage areas in Ogun State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has revealed that 5,421 people were killed in road traffic crashes across Nigeria in 2024.

This is a seven per cent increase from the 5,081 fatalities recorded in 2023.

This was disclosed during a press briefing by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, in Abuja on Monday, marking the conclusion of the Corps’ “Operation Zero Tolerance” special patrol campaign.

Mohammed said the rise in fatalities occurred despite a 10 per cent reduction in the total number of road crashes nationwide, with 9,570 incidents recorded in 2024 compared to 10,617 in the previous year.

The corps’ data also revealed that while road crashes and injuries saw a slight reduction in 2024, the total number of people involved in accidents increased by one per cent, from 70,092 in 2023 to 70,530 in 2024.

He stated that efforts to enforce road safety laws saw mixed results while the Corps recorded a reduction in traffic violations, with arrests dropping from 29,220 in 2023 to 21,580 in 2024.

The corps marshal attributed the increased deaths to human factors such as reckless driving, overloading and fatigue, as well as tragic secondary incidents like the scooping of fuel from fallen tankers, which claimed 411 lives last year.

“Analysis of our annual performance indicates that from January to December 2024, the corps recorded a drastic reduction in road traffic crashes as well as in the number of people injured when compared to the annual record of 2023.

“From 1st January to 31st December 2024, a total of 9,570 road traffic crashes were recorded nationwide. This figure is against 10,617 road traffic crashes recorded in 2023 which signifies a tremendous reduction of 10 percent.

“Furthermore, 31,154 people were injured in 2024 while 31,874 were injured in 2023 representing a two percent decrease. However, the Corps recorded a seven per cent increase in fatalities as 5,421 people were killed in 2024 while 5,081 people were killed in 2023.

“Meanwhile, a total of 70,530 people got involved in road traffic crashes in 2024 compared to 70,092 in 2023 signifying an increase of one per cent. It is pertinent to emphasize at this juncture that, out of the total fatalities that occurred in 2024, 411 deaths, representing 7.6 per cent of the total deaths were not primarily caused by the crashes but a secondary factor which is the very monster we are fighting today: scooping of fuel from fallen tankers,” the corps marshal explained.

Mohammed further stated that between December 15, 2024, and January 15, 2025, a period covered by the special patrol, 402 lives were lost in road accidents.

Notable among these incidents were five major crashes in Plateau, Abia, Kaduna, Kwara, and Ondo States, with the most devastating occurring in Jebba, Kwara State, where 30 people perished.

According to the corps marshal, a key contributor to the high death toll is the dangerous act of scooping fuel from crashed tankers.

In 2024 alone, this practice accounted for 7.6 per cent of total fatalities. Mohammed called on motorists and the public to avoid such activities, warning of the grave risks involved.

“Between 15 December 2024 to 15 January 2025, the Corps recorded a total of 531 road traffic crashes nationwide as against 634 recorded in the same period in 2023. This represents a 16.2 per cent reduction.

“On this note, I wish to reiterate that the alarming rate of crashes and fatalities occurred as a result of loading of trailers with passengers, goods and persons, fatigue, speed violation, overloading, dangerous driving as well as poor vehicle maintenance within the period under review.

“The 2024 recorded fatalities are alarming and therefore unacceptable. The situation is worrisome, especially, in cases of unprecedented fatalities as a result of scooping of petroleum products from crashed tankers (Niger and Jigawa in perspective),” he stated.

The corps marshal urged motorists to prioritise safety by adhering to speed limits, avoiding night travel, and refraining from overloading vehicles.

He also cautioned passengers against boarding vehicles meant for goods transportation.

“In this beginning year 2025, I wish to caution motorists and travellers to avoid excessive speed and overloading as much as possible. “Passengers should avoid boarding trailers and trucks meant for goods; including night trips due to the inherent dangers,” Mohammed cautioned.

Mohammed reaffirmed the FRSC’s commitment to improving road safety through increased collaboration with the judiciary, enhanced staff welfare, and public sensitisation campaigns.