No fewer than four passengers have lost their lives, while four others sustained serious injuries following a tragic road crash involving an articulated truck and a commercial minibus along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos State.
The accident, which occurred over the weekend, happened opposite Beechwood in Shapati, inward Ajah, along the busy Lagos corridor.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.
According to the agency, the fatal collision involved a HOWO truck with registration number KNN 313 YL and a fully loaded Suzuki commercial minibus, commonly known in Lagos as a “Korope.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of the articulated truck reportedly lost control while the vehicle was in motion, veered across the carriageway and crashed into the oncoming commercial minibus carrying passengers.
The impact of the collision was devastating. LASTMA disclosed that four male passengers died instantly, while four other occupants, two men and two women, suffered severe fracture injuries after becoming trapped inside the wreckage of the minibus.
Emergency responders, including LASTMA officials, quickly mobilised to the crash scene. With the assistance of other emergency agencies and passersby, they were able to extricate the injured victims from the mangled vehicle.
The injured passengers were subsequently transported to Hamon Royal Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased were evacuated by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and deposited at the Shency Hospital morgue.
Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Elemoro Police Division also arrived at the scene to maintain order and ensure safety during the rescue operation.
Police authorities confirmed that an investigation would be conducted to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Authorities further revealed that the driver of the truck and his motor boy fled the scene immediately after the accident.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
He also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured victims currently receiving treatment and commended the swift and coordinated response of emergency personnel whose prompt intervention helped rescue the trapped passengers.
Bakare-Oki used the opportunity to urge motorists, particularly drivers of articulated trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles, to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and practice responsible driving.
The crash adds to growing concerns over the rising number of road accidents across Nigeria. Data from the Federal Road Safety Corps for 2025 shows that total road crashes increased by 9.2 per cent, rising from 9,570 recorded cases in 2024 to 10,446 in 2025.
Similarly, serious crashes climbed by 10.5 per cent, increasing from 6,131 incidents in 2024 to 6,772 in 2025.
Minor crashes recorded an even sharper rise of 17.5 per cent within the same period, growing from 907 cases to 1,066.
The statistics underscore the persistent challenge of road safety in Nigeria and the urgent need for stricter compliance with traffic laws and improved driver discipline.
