A tragic road accident on the Lekki–Epe Expressway in Lagos State has claimed the lives of six people and left nine others injured, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed.
The crash occurred on Saturday, near Ibeju Bus Stop, and involved a blue Volvo FL6 truck loaded with wooden planks and a white commercial bus (registration number AKD 336 YD).
Preliminary investigations by traffic and security officials revealed that excessive speeding and reckless driving were the primary causes of the accident.
According to LASTMA, the fatalities include two men, three women, and a child, while the injured survivors — three men and six women — were rescued and taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Epe, and Hammond Hospital for emergency treatment.
Four other passengers escaped unhurt while the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the FMC morgue for identification by their families.
The swift response by LASTMA, supported by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), ensured prompt evacuation of victims and the restoration of traffic flow along the busy expressway.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and condemned the persistent menace of reckless driving on Lagos roads.
He reiterated the agency’s safety message that “speed thrills but kills,” urging motorists to prioritize discipline, patience, and defensive driving, especially during the Ember Months, a period historically linked to increased road accidents.
Bakare-Oki stressed that most crashes are avoidable, attributing them not to “mystical forces” but to human error, poor judgment, and disregard for traffic laws.
He praised the coordinated efforts of emergency responders and called on all road users to support government initiatives aimed at reducing road fatalities.
The Lagos State Government, through LASTMA, reaffirmed its commitment to preserving lives and ensuring safer roads, urging residents to remain vigilant and report unsafe driving practices to the appropriate authorities.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo