A fatal road accident occurred early Sunday morning along Old Ipaja Road near Agbotikuyo, on the way to Iyana Ipaja, claiming the life of a commercial minibus driver.
According to officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the crash involved a fully-loaded 40-foot Mack container truck and was reportedly caused by brake failure.
The agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
Part of the statement read, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) deeply regrets to announce a harrowing road traffic incident that transpired in the early hours of Sunday, June 22, 2025, along Old Ipaja Road by Agbotikuyo, enroute to Iyana Ipaja.
“The catastrophic collision involved a fully-laden 40-foot Mack containerised truck (MUS 729 XY), which, reportedly due to catastrophic brake failure, toppled onto a commercial minibus — colloquially referred to as ‘Korope’.
“Tragically, the devastating impact led to the instantaneous death of the minibus driver, whose life was abruptly cut short in the line of duty.”
In what Adebayo described as a timely intervention, LASTMA officers acted swiftly to rescue the surviving passengers from the wreckage.
“In a remarkable display of courage and promptitude, LASTMA Officers deployed along the corridor swiftly mobilised and rescued three passengers — two females and one male — unhurt but were immediately handed over to medical emergency responders for clinical attention.”
He noted that the aftermath of the crash caused significant traffic disruptions along the axis, with traffic diversions enforced to ease congestion.
He stated, “The fallen articulated truck obstructed over 50 per cent of the arterial carriageway, precipitating a substantial traffic backlog that rippled across adjoining routes, notably Shofunde and Olufunlayo. LASTMA operatives immediately instituted comprehensive traffic diversion and control protocols to alleviate the congestion and maintain orderliness.”
He, however, noted that the truck driver attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended, thanks to the vigilance of LASTMA officials.
“It is worthy of note that the truck driver, in a failed attempt to abscond from the scene, was apprehended by vigilant LASTMA Officers and promptly transferred to security personnel from both the Elere and Area ‘G’ Police Divisions, who had been duly notified by LASTMA officials.”
He added that emergency responders from multiple agencies worked together to recover the scene and restore normalcy.
“Emergency response teams from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit, Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), and officers of the Nigeria Police Force collaborated efficiently with prompt coordination by LASTMA rescue team to secure the accident scene, recover the remains, and ensure traffic and civil normalcy were fully restored.”
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sawo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, extended condolences to the bereaved family and called for stricter compliance with safety protocols among truck operators.
“The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Honourable Sola Giwa, expressed profound sadness and extended his condolences to the bereaved family. He used the occasion to issue a stern reminder to all operators of articulated vehicles to exercise the utmost vigilance and mechanical diligence.”
He stated, “Truck operators must adhere strictly to safety protocols. It is non-negotiable that every articulated vehicle undergo thorough mechanical inspection — especially the braking systems — before venturing onto our roads. Preventable tragedies like this underscore the need for unwavering compliance.”
Giwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safety and enforcement. He also assured the public that the State Government remains resolute in its commitment to traffic safety enforcement, robust emergency responsiveness, and the relentless pursuit of roadworthiness compliance to avert further loss of lives
Members of the public are encouraged to report traffic issues or request assistance via LASTMA’s toll-free line.
