Eight Confirmed Dead in Fatal Pre-Dawn Crash Involving Commercial Bus and DAF Truck in Badagry

Eight Confirmed Dead in Fatal Pre-Dawn Crash Involving Commercial Bus and DAF Truck in Badagry

Lagos | July 5, 2025

A tragic road accident in the early hours of Saturday has claimed eight lives at Atura Bus Stop, inbound Badagry, Lagos. The devastating crash involved a 16-seater commercial Mazda bus (registration number KJA 811 YF) and a DAF truck (registration number T1 4636 LA).

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the accident occurred when the driver of the commercial bus lost control while speeding and collided head-on with the heavy-duty truck. The impact was described as catastrophic, instantly killing the bus driver, his conductor, and six other passengers.

The horrific scene plunged the Badagry community into mourning as emergency responders worked swiftly to manage the situation. Eight other passengers who sustained serious injuries were rescued and rushed to the General Hospital in Badagry by operatives of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), with support from the Nigeria Police (Morogbo Division) and personnel of the Nigerian Army's 244 Battalion (Ibereko Barracks).

General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who visited the crash site, described the incident as “heart-wrenching” and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.

> “This tragic event is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for all road users to embrace caution,” he said. “No journey should end in such a horrific manner. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured recover swiftly.”

Mr. Bakare-Oki warned commercial and articulated vehicle drivers against reckless driving, urging them to obey speed limits, adhere to road safety regulations, and ensure their vehicles are regularly maintained.

> “This loss of life could have been avoided if simple principles of defensive driving were followed. Speed remains a silent killer on our roads,” he cautioned.

He also reiterated LASTMA’s new strategic direction, shifting from routine traffic control to holistic incident and emergency management. The initiative is part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which emphasizes preventive safety, rapid emergency response, and improved urban mobility.

> “We are no longer just controlling traffic; we are responding to emergencies, mitigating disasters, and working to save lives,” he explained. “This is what modern traffic administration demands.”

He highlighted recent government efforts to reduce road accidents, including the deployment of speed-limiting measures at accident-prone areas across the state.

The General Manager praised the swift response and collaboration of emergency services including the FRSC, the Police, and the Nigerian Army, as well as the professionalism of LASTMA officials who were first at the scene.

LASTMA has urged all road users—especially commercial and intercity drivers—to prioritize safety, maintain awareness, and exercise caution on the highways to prevent further tragedies.

> “We remain resolutely committed to preserving life, maintaining order, and building a safer commuting environment for all Lagosians,” Mr. Bakare-Oki concluded.