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Just 48 hours after a road accident in Ogun State resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals, another tragic incident occurred in Lagos State, where at least eight people lost their lives at the Atura Bus Stop in Badagry on Sunday.
Additionally, eight passengers sustained various injuries when a commercial bus collided with a truck.
According to a statement from Adebayo Taofiq, spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the incident involved a 16-seater Mazda bus with the registration number KJA 811 YF and a DAF truck, marked T1 4636 LA.
He remarked, “The devastating crash claimed the lives of eight individuals, including the bus driver and the conductor, leaving the Badagry community in deep mourning and sorrow.”
Emergency responders, including the Police, Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Nigerian Army, played a crucial role in extracting eight surviving passengers, all of whom suffered from varying degrees of trauma.
The LASTMA spokesperson indicated that the accident was caused by speeding and stated that the deceased and injured were transported to Badagry General Hospital for urgent medical attention.
“These victims were swiftly taken to the General Hospital in Badagry using an FRSC vehicle for critical care. Preliminary investigations suggest that the commercial bus driver lost control while traveling at an extremely high speed, resulting in a disastrous collision with a DAF truck.
The impact was described as catastrophic, leaving little chance for escape or survival for many on board the bus.” In response to the crash, LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki visited the accident site, offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured a quick recovery.
“This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of life's fragility and the pressing need for road users to exercise caution. No journey should end in such tragedy. May the Almighty grant eternal rest to the departed and comfort those mourning their loss,” he stated.
Bakare-Oki advised operators of commercial and heavy-duty vehicles against excessive speeding and urged adherence to safety protocols alongside regular vehicle maintenance to prevent similar tragedies.
He emphasized the agency's shift from traditional traffic management to a more comprehensive approach to incident management.
