Fatal Crash on Lekki–Epe Expressway Claims Four Lives, LASTMA Rescues Injured Passengers

Fatal Crash on Lekki–Epe Expressway Claims Four Lives, LASTMA Rescues Injured Passengers

No fewer than four passengers have lost their lives while four others sustained serious injuries following a tragic road accident along the Lekki–Epe Expressway in Lagos, as officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) swiftly intervened to rescue trapped victims and restore traffic flow along the busy corridor.

The fatal crash occurred over the weekend opposite Beechwood in the Shapati area, inward Ajah, along the ever-busy Lekki–Epe Expressway.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the accident involved a HOWO truck with registration number KNN 313 YL and a fully loaded Suzuki commercial mini bus popularly known as “Korope.”

Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of the articulated truck reportedly lost control of the vehicle while in motion. The truck subsequently veered across the carriageway and rammed violently into the oncoming commercial bus conveying passengers along the corridor.

The impact of the collision resulted in the immediate death of four male passengers, while four other occupants—two males and two females—sustained severe fracture injuries after becoming trapped in the wreckage of the bus.

Officials of LASTMA quickly mobilised to the scene and, with the assistance of other emergency responders and passersby, successfully extricated the trapped victims from the mangled vehicle.

The injured victims were immediately rushed to Hamon Royal Hospital for urgent medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were evacuated and deposited at the Shency Hospital morgue by an emergency ambulance belonging to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Security operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Elemoro Police Division maintained order at the scene and ensured the safety of rescue personnel and other road users during the emergency operation.

Authorities disclosed that the driver of the truck and his motor boy fled the scene shortly after the crash.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

Bakare-Oki also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured victims currently receiving treatment, while commending the swift response and collaboration among emergency responders whose efforts aided the successful rescue operation.

He further urged motorists, particularly operators of articulated vehicles, to exercise caution, obey traffic regulations and adopt responsible driving habits to prevent avoidable road accidents across the state.