Road accident claims FRSC officer, 2 others in Ibadan

An automobile accident on Wednesday afternoon was alleged to have claimed the lives of an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), Oyo state command and two other persons involving a Mercedez Benz, Mack truck and an FRSC Hilux van around Guru Maharaj Ji village on Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ibadan.

The incident, according to sources also left may people injured there were claims that the accident was as a result of negligence on the side of FRSC officials on duty.

Sources alleged that the officials were in pursuit of a driver accused of floating traffic rule on that sunny afternoon.

An eyewitness, Oluwaseyi Ayobami told PM News that the accident was caused by officials of the FRSC who were in pursuit of a tipper driver who refused to settle them.

But the FRSC in a statement titled “Ibadan road traffic crash involving FRSC personnel: The truth about the ugly incident” signed by Corps Commander, Corps Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, Bisi Kazeem, only confirmed the death of two persons; an officer of the Corps and another unidentified person.

The statement also cleared the air on any wrongdoing attributed to the officers who were on official duty.

According to the statement, “he attention of the Federal Road Safety Corps has been drawn to the unfortunate road traffic crash that occurred in Ibadan that claimed the lives of an FRSC staff and one (1) other person who is yet to be identified.

Due to the sensitivity of the incidence and the need to commence an immediate investigation, the Corps Marshal has directed the Oyo state Sector Commander to carry out a full investigation into the culpable cause of the incident and report immediately.

While the investigation is still ongoing, the public is advised to remain calm and peaceful. Meanwhile, the first information report at our disposal indicates as follows:

At about midday of Wednesday, around 1100HRS a team of FRSC Personnel assigned to monitor and control traffic were approached by a truck driver who intended to make an enquiry from one of the members of the team.

ALSO READ: 22 Ibadan torture centre victims hospitalized as Oyo marks centre for demolition

“In the course of the inquiry, a Mercedes Benz ran into the patrol vehicle and in the process killed the arresting Marshal and the other person while they were discussing with the other FRSC Official occupying the driver’s seat who was also seriously affected by the crash.

“The Sector Commander along with her Management Team inspected the area of the scene to conduct a crash investigation and also to gather information from first responders (eyewitnesses).

“From that investigation, it was meticulously gathered that the FRSC Patrol vehicle was not in motion when the incident occurred.

“The seriously injured victim has been since rushed to the hospital for medical attention while the deceased have been taken to the morgue.

“The Corps Marshal commiserates with all affected and sends his condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured victim quick recovery.”