Emmanuel lkpeama.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a tragic road traffic accident that occurred over the weekend opposite Beechwood, Shapati, inward Ajah, along the Lekki–Epe Expressway, leaving four passengers dead and four others seriously injured.
The fatal crash involved a HOWO truck with registration number KNN 313 YL and a fully loaded Suzuki commercial mini bus popularly known as “Korope.”
Investigator news reports that the driver of the articulated truck lost control of the vehicle while in motion, causing it to veer off its lane and violently collide with the oncoming commercial mini bus carrying passengers along the busy corridor.
The devastating impact of the crash resulted in the immediate death of four male passengers.
Four other occupants of the bus—two males and two females—sustained severe fracture injuries after being trapped in the wreckage of the vehicle.
Officials of LASTMA promptly arrived at the scene and, with the assistance of other emergency responders and passersby, worked to rescue the trapped victims from the crushed vehicle.
The injured passengers were immediately transported to Hamon Royal Hospital for urgent medical treatment, while the remains of the deceased were evacuated and deposited at the Shency Hospital Morgue by an ambulance belonging to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force at the Elemoro Police Division maintained order at the scene and ensured the safety of rescue workers and other road users during the emergency operation.
The police have since assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the tragic collision.
Meanwhile, the driver of the truck and his motorboy reportedly fled the scene shortly after the incident.
Reacting to the development, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.
He also wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.
Bakare-Oki went further to commend the swift response and collaboration among emergency responders whose timely intervention helped rescue the trapped passengers.
He further urged motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, to exercise caution, obey traffic regulations, and adopt responsible driving habits in order to prevent avoidable road accidents across the state.