The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a tragic road accident that occurred over the weekend opposite Beechwood, Shapati, inward Ajah, along the Lekki–Epe Expressway, leaving four passengers dead and four others seriously injured.
The fatal crash involved a HOWO truck with registration number KNN 313 YL and a fully loaded Suzuki commercial minibus, popularly known as a “Korope.”
Preliminary findings indicate that the driver of the articulated truck lost control of the vehicle while in motion. The truck reportedly veered across the carriageway and violently rammed into the oncoming commercial minibus carrying passengers along the busy corridor.
The impact of the collision led to the immediate death of four male passengers. Four other occupants — two males and two females — sustained severe fractures after becoming trapped in the mangled wreckage of the commercial bus.
Officials of LASTMA quickly mobilised to the scene and painstakingly extricated the trapped victims from the crushed vehicle with the support of other emergency responders and passersby.
The injured victims were immediately rushed to Hamon Royal Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Meanwhile, the remains of the four deceased passengers were evacuated and deposited at the morgue of Shency Hospital with the assistance of an emergency ambulance belonging to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Security operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Elemoro Police Division maintained order at the scene and ensured the safety of rescue personnel and other road users during the emergency response.
The police have assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the tragic crash. The driver of the truck and his motorboy reportedly fled the scene shortly after the incident.
Reacting to the development, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
He also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured victims currently receiving treatment.
Bakare-Oki commended the coordinated efforts and swift response of emergency responders, noting that their timely intervention played a crucial role in rescuing the trapped passengers.
He further urged motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, to exercise utmost caution, strictly adhere to traffic safety regulations and cultivate responsible driving habits in order to prevent avoidable road tragedies across the state.
The statement was issued by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA.
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