Tragedy struck on Thursday along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos as two separate road accidents claimed five lives and left five others critically injured.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the first crash occurred in the early hours at Abijo Bus Stop, under the pedestrian bridge, inward Epe. A Mitsubishi pick-up van with registration number AKD 733 JM, reportedly travelling at high speed, lost control and rammed into a stationary Craneburg Construction Company equipment lawfully parked at the roadside.
The impact led to the instant death of four occupants of the van three males and one female whose bodies were recovered lifeless at the scene. LASTMA operatives were able to rescue three other female passengers from the wreckage. The survivors were stabilised and handed over to officers from the Eleko Division of the Nigeria Police Force for urgent medical attention at nearby hospitals.
The second accident happened later that night in the Frajend Group axis inward Bogije, also along the Lekki-Epe corridor. A Toyota Escort Jeep, said to be speeding, collided with a parked Dangote truck. The crash resulted in the death of the SUV driver. Two other passengers were seriously injured and trapped inside the wreckage.
LASTMA officers conducted a delicate rescue operation to extricate the survivors, who were subsequently placed in the custody of the Elemoro Police Division for immediate medical evacuation.
Reacting to the twin accidents, the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, quoted the General Manager of the agency, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, as expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He described the incidents as avoidable tragedies and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
“We stand in solidarity with the families during this moment of unspeakable loss and anguish. It is our earnest prayer that the Almighty grants them the strength to bear these irreparable losses,” Bakare-Oki stated.
He also issued a stern warning to motorists, urging them to avoid dangerous driving, especially excessive speeding, which he identified as a leading cause of road fatalities. He noted that the Lagos State Government has invested significantly in traffic safety infrastructure, including road signs, speed limiters, and visibility-enhancing road furniture, to prevent such occurrences.
“Motorists are hereby implored to adhere strictly to these safety measures, which are designed solely for the preservation of human life,” he said.
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