Four dead, four injured in Lekki–Epe expressway crash

By Lawrence Abgo

A truck and a commercial minibus collided on the Lekki–Epe expressway in Lagos, killing four people and seriously injuring four more.

Adebayo Taofiq, the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), verified the occurrence in a statement released on Sunday.

The collision happened over the weekend along the major Lekki–Epe route in Beechwood, Shapati, near Ajah, according to the agency.

According to LASTMA, a fully loaded Suzuki commercial minibus, also referred to as a “Korope,” and a HOWO truck with registration number KNN 313 YL were involved in the deadly collision.

According to preliminary investigations, the articulated truck’s driver lost control while driving, drifted across the lane, and collided with the approaching passenger-carrying commercial minibus.

“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,” the statement said.

The trapped victims were rescued from the smashed minibus by traffic agency officials who promptly responded to the site with the help of other emergency personnel and onlookers.

Federal Road Safety Corps officers transported the bodies of the deceased to Shency Hospital Mortuary, while the injured victims were sent to Hamon Royal Hospital for immediate medical attention.

Nigeria Police Force security officers assigned to the Elemoro Police Division kept the scene of the accident under control and offered protection while the rescue effort was underway.

Police have started an inquiry to find out what caused the collision. Authorities revealed that the truck’s driver and his motor boy had left the site.

Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the general manager of LASTMA, expressed sorrow over the event and offered his condolences to the victims’ families. Additionally, he prayed for the patients’ speedy recuperation.

Bakare-Oki praised the emergency responders’ coordinated efforts and their prompt action in rescuing the stranded passengers.

In order to minimise preventable traffic accidents, he further advised drivers, especially those operating articulated vehicles, to drive carefully, follow traffic laws, and develop responsible driving practices.