A fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Sunday after a commercial bus with registration number EPE 494 XM ran into a stationary tipper truck at Majidun, inward Ogolonto, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
According to Adebayo Taofiq, Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the bus driver, who was reportedly speeding, rammed into the parked truck, resulting in the death of a female passenger.
A statement issued by the agency noted that, “Preliminary inquiries have established that the ill-fated commercial bus, chartered to convey passengers to a scheduled programme in Ogijo, experienced an abrupt brake failure.
The driver, who was reportedly travelling at a perilously excessive speed, consequently lost control and forcefully collided with a tipper truck positioned at the roadside for diesel purchase.”
The statement added, “The brutal impact resulted in the instantaneous death of an adult female passenger, while five female occupants and one male sustained severe and life-threatening injuries. While all 5 injured casualties were rushed to nearby Benic Special Hospital, the remains of the deceased were immediately transferred into the custody of security personnel who conveyed them to the General Hospital, Ikorodu, for urgent formal documentation.”
It further explained that, “In a swift and highly coordinated response, LASTMA operatives pursued and apprehended the tipper truck driver who attempted to abscond upon witnessing the enormity of the tragedy. The driver of the commercial bus was likewise arrested. Both individuals were thereafter handed over to officers of the Ipakodo Police Division for comprehensive investigation.”
The agency confirmed that its officials also worked to clear the accident scene, stating, “To re-establish order and ensure seamless vehicular movement toward Ikorodu Garage, LASTMA personnel efficiently removed the mangled remains of both vehicles from the roadway.”
LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the family of the deceased.
He offered prayers for strength for the bereaved and wished the injured passengers a quick and complete recovery.
Bakare-Oki also urged motorists to maintain caution, vigilance, and discipline on the roads, warning against excessive speeding.
He emphasized that driving at high speed limits a motorist’s ability to manage sudden mechanical faults or unexpected dangers, significantly increasing the chances of a fatal crash.
The General Manager reaffirmed LASTMA’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives and promoting safer driving practices throughout Lagos State.
