Four passengers have been confirmed dead while four others sustained serious injuries following a tragic road crash involving a truck and a commercial minibus along the busy Lekki–Epe Expressway in Lagos State.
The accident occurred over the weekend opposite Beechwood, Shapati, inward Ajah, and was confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
According to a statement issued on Sunday, March 15, by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, the crash involved a HOWO truck with registration number KNN 313 YL and a fully loaded Suzuki commercial minibus, popularly called a “Korope.”
Preliminary investigations indicated that the driver of the articulated truck lost control of the vehicle while in motion.
The truck reportedly veered across the carriageway and rammed into the oncoming commercial minibus carrying several passengers.
“The catastrophic impact of the collision resulted in the immediate death of four male passengers, while four other occupants, comprising two males and two females, sustained severe fracture injuries after becoming trapped within the mangled wreckage of the commercial vehicle,” the statement said.
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority quickly mobilised to the scene and, with the assistance of emergency responders and passersby, worked to rescue victims trapped inside the crushed minibus.
The injured passengers were subsequently rushed to Hamon Royal Hospital for urgent medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased were evacuated to Shency Hospital Morgue using an ambulance belonging to the Federal Road Safety Corps.
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Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Elemoro Police Division were also deployed to the scene to maintain order and assist with the rescue operation.
Authorities disclosed that the driver of the truck and his motor boy fled the scene shortly after the crash.
Reacting to the tragic incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment and commended emergency responders for their swift and coordinated efforts in rescuing the trapped passengers.
Bakare-Oki further urged motorists, especially drivers of articulated vehicles, to exercise greater caution on the roads, adhere strictly to traffic regulations and adopt responsible driving habits to prevent avoidable accidents.
The latest tragedy highlights the growing concern over road safety in Nigeria.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the latest fatal crash.