Dare Babalola
A fatal road accident occurred at Ekoro Junction, Abule-Egba, Lagos, involving a MACK tanker and a Toyota Corolla, resulting in one confirmed fatality and the rescue of four other individuals.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reported in a statement that the collision occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026.
It stated that a tanker, bearing registration number EKY 900 XY, suddenly lost control and collided with a Toyota Corolla (AAA 823 XY), subsequently veering off the road and crashing into a nearby shop.
The collision caused substantial damage to the structure and sparked widespread panic among pedestrians, traders, and shop owners in the vicinity.
“The ferocity of the impact occasioned extensive structural devastation and generated palpable panic among pedestrians, traders, and adjoining business operators within the corridor,” the statement said.
According to the report, one person died from the crash while four others were trapped in the wreckage before being rescued while sustaining minor injuries.
LASTMA officials were quick and fast with their rescue and recovery protocol.
Officials were deployed to the scene to control the traffic, evacuate the vehicles, and also control the crowd to avoid further incidents.
Emergency teams successfully pulled out the trapped victims and they were given immediate medical while a heavy-duty truck tow was deployed to remove the damaged tanker and clear debris from the road to restore traffic flow.
The tanker driver reportedly absconded from the scene immediately after the crash, an action authorities strongly condemned and said efforts are being made to track him down.
Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Ekoro Division, were also on ground to secure the area and support investigation to unravel the exact cause of the brake failure.
The accident caused heavy traffic congestion along enjoined routes towards Abule-Egba, which made LASTMA officials remain on ground to direct vehicles and introduce diversions to ease traffic flow.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, sympathised with the family of the deceased and warned drivers, especially heavy-duty vehicles, to carry out regular mechanical checks.
He further stressed that brake failure remains the major reason for fatal accidents and urged drivers to carefully obey traffic rules, especially in busy commercial areas.
“The imperative for transport operators particularly articulated vehicle drivers to prioritise routine mechanical inspections with heightened emphasis on braking systems, noting that preventable mechanical deficiencies remain a significant contributory factor in severe road traffic crashes.” Bakare-Oki stressed.
Bakare-Oki assured the public that security agencies would conduct a full investigation, and anyone found guilty would be prosecuted according to the law.
Other emergency agencies that were present at the accident scene were the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), the State Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) and officers of the Nigeria Police Force. All worked together to handle the rescue, medical care, safety, and traffic control at the scene.
