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LAGOS, Nigeria - A 40-foot container truck tragically crushed a commercial minibus on Sunday along Old Ipaja Road, near Agbotikuyo, Lagos, resulting in one death and the rescue of three others.
The accident occurred in the early hours on Sunday when the Mack truck reportedly experienced brake failure and toppled onto the minibus, also known as “Korope,” which was headed to Iyana Ipaja.
The minibus driver was killed instantly, while three passengers — two women and a man — were rescued from the debris with minor injuries and received immediate medical attention.
The accident led to considerable traffic congestion in the area due to the truck blocking a significant portion of the road, affecting nearby routes such as Shofunde and Olufunlayo.
Spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the incident and mentioned that agency officers quickly implemented diversions to alleviate traffic congestion.
Furthermore, he noted that the truck driver attempted to escape the scene but was apprehended by LASTMA officials and handed over to the police from the Elere and Area ‘G’ Divisions.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), and the Nigeria Police collaborated with LASTMA to secure the scene, recover the deceased's body, and restore normal traffic.
The Governor's Special Adviser on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, extended condolences to the victim’s family and urged truck operators to perform routine mechanical inspections, especially on brake systems, before taking vehicles on public roads.
"It's imperative that truck operators follow safety protocols without exception.
Every articulated vehicle must undergo comprehensive mechanical checks — particularly on the brakes — prior to operating on our roads," Giwa stated.
"This preventable tragedy highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations."
