Dare Babalola
Tragedy struck on the Lekki-Epe Expressway as a truck collided with a commercial bus, claiming the lives of four passengers. The accident occurred on the busy route, leaving behind a trail of grief and chaos.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the fatal crash occurred opposite Beechwood, Shapati, heading towards Ajah, over the weekend.
According to the statement by the traffic agency, the accident involved a HOWO truck with registration number KNN 313 YL and a fully loaded Suzuki commercial mini bus popularly known as “Korope.”
Initial findings revealed that the driver of the articulated truck lost control of the vehicle while driving, causing it to veer across the road and collide head-on with the oncoming passenger bus.
“Preliminary security assessment revealed that the driver of the articulated truck lost control of the vehicle while in motion and the truck subsequently veered uncontrollably across the carriageway violently rammed into an oncoming commercial mini bus conveying passengers along the busy corridor,” the statement said.
The impact of the crash was severe, leading to the instant death of four male passengers, while four other occupants, two men and two women, sustained serious injuries after becoming trapped inside the wrecked bus.
“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,” it added.
Officials of LASTMA quickly arrived at the scene and worked with other emergency responders and passersby to rescue the trapped victims from the damaged vehicle.
The four injured passengers were later taken to Hamon Royal Hospital for urgent treatment.
Meanwhile, the remains of the four passengers who died in the accident were evacuated and deposited at Shency Hospital Morgue with the help of an emergency ambulance belonging to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Reacting to the 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 quick recovery of the injured passengers receiving treatment at the hospital.
Bakare-Oki further commended the swift response of emergency officials and other individuals who assisted in rescuing the trapped victims.
The LASTMA boss also advised motorists, especially drivers of articulated trucks, to drive with caution, obey traffic regulations, and adopt safe driving habits to prevent similar tragedies on the roads.
