A somber mood enveloped Lagos on Thursday following two separate car crashes along the Lekki-Epe Expressway that claimed five lives and left five others with serious injuries.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the twin tragedies in a statement, identifying overspeeding and loss of control as the key causes of the accidents.
The first incident occurred in the early hours near Abijo Bus Stop, under the pedestrian bridge, heading towards Epe.
A Mitsubishi pickup truck, with registration number AKD 733 JM, reportedly traveling at a high speed, lost control and collided violently with a stationary piece of heavy construction equipment owned by Craneburg Construction Company.
The impact was fatal. Four occupants—three men and one woman—were confirmed dead at the scene. Three other women were pulled from the mangled vehicle, surviving the crash with serious injuries.
LASTMA personnel responded swiftly, stabilizing the survivors and transferring them into the custody of officers from the Eleko Police Division for urgent medical treatment.
A few hours later, tragedy struck again—this time at the Frajend Group axis, inward Bogije.
A Toyota Escort SUV, also speeding, rammed into a parked Dangote truck.
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The SUV driver died on the spot. Two passengers, critically injured and trapped in the wreckage, were extricated by LASTMA operatives after a tense rescue operation.
Both were later handed over to the Elemoro Police Division for immediate transport to the hospital.
Speaking on the incidents, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, quoted General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families, calling the incidents “avoidable and deeply tragic.”
“We stand in solidarity with the families facing this painful loss,” Bakare-Oki said. “These are lives that didn’t have to be lost.”
He emphasized that excessive speed remains a deadly problem on Lagos roads, and called on motorists to obey traffic laws, avoid reckless driving, and appreciate the purpose of government-installed traffic infrastructure.
“These crashes are painful reminders of what can happen when speed regulations are ignored. The government has invested in signage, limiters, and road design—all aimed at saving lives,” he added.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging drivers to reflect on the day’s tragedies—and change course before more lives are lost.