Brake Failure and Excessive Speed Blamed in Fatal Lagos Crash That Killed One, Injured Six
LAGOS – A tragic auto accident in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State has left one woman dead and six others with life-threatening injuries, highlighting ongoing road safety concerns in Nigeria’s most populous city.
Sunday Morning Tragedy at Majidun
The collision occurred around the Majidun area heading toward Ogolonto, directly opposite an MRS Filling Station, according to official statements from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department at LASTMA, confirmed that the violent impact resulted in the immediate death of an adult female passenger. Five female occupants and one male sustained severe injuries requiring emergency medical attention.
Sequence of Events and Apprehensions
Preliminary investigations indicate that a Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number EPE 494 XM, chartered to transport passengers to a scheduled program in Ogijo, experienced sudden brake failure while traveling at “dangerously excessive speed.”
“The driver consequently lost control and forcefully collided with a tipper truck parked at the roadside for diesel purchase,” Taofiq stated.
Although the truck driver attempted to flee the scene following the accident, LASTMA operatives apprehended both him and the commercial bus driver. Both individuals were subsequently handed over to officers at the Ipakodo Police Division for comprehensive investigation.
Emergency Response and Traffic Management
Emergency personnel transported all five injured casualties to nearby Benic Special Hospital for treatment, while the remains of the deceased were transferred to General Hospital, Ikorodu, for formal documentation.
LASTMA personnel worked to clear the mangled remains of both vehicles from the roadway to restore order and ensure smooth vehicular movement toward Ikorodu Garage.
Official Response and Safety Warnings
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki expressed profound grief over the tragic incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Bakare-Oki used the opportunity to reiterate safety warnings to motorists, urging maximum caution, vigilance, and discipline on the highways, with particular emphasis on avoiding excessive speed.
Broader Context of Road Safety in Lagos
This incident adds to growing concerns about road safety infrastructure and vehicle maintenance standards in Lagos, where rapid urbanization has strained transportation systems. The combination of mechanical failure and human error identified in this crash reflects common patterns in many road accidents across the state.
Road safety advocates have repeatedly called for stricter vehicle inspection regimes and enhanced driver training programs to address the persistent challenge of preventable traffic fatalities.
This report is based on information originally published by Channels Television.