Two separate road traffic incidents in Majidun and Ogolonto, Lagos State, have highlighted the dangers of vehicle mechanical failure and overspeeding, resulting in multiple casualties and raising concerns about road safety enforcement in the region.
Commercial Bus Collides With Stationary Tipper Truck in Majidun
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that a Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number EPE 494 XM crashed into a stationary tipper truck near Ogolonto, Majidun, leaving one person dead and six others injured.
Preliminary investigations by LASTMA indicate that the bus experienced a sudden brake failure while travelling at high speed, causing the driver to lose control. The truck had been parked at the roadside for refueling purposes when the collision occurred.
The crash resulted in the immediate death of a female passenger, while five female and one male passenger sustained serious injuries. All injured victims were transported to Benic Special Hospital for treatment, while the body of the deceased was taken to General Hospital, Ikorodu, for official documentation and post-mortem procedures.
LASTMA operatives reported that the tipper truck driver attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended. The bus driver was also arrested, with both individuals handed over to the Ipakodo Police Division for further investigation.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, extended condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured a swift recovery. He highlighted the dangers of overspeeding, stating:
> “Excessive speed drastically impairs a driver’s capacity to respond to sudden mechanical failures or unforeseen hazards, thereby magnifying the risk of catastrophic outcomes.”
Truck Assistant Crushed at Ogolonto Traffic Light Intersection
In a separate incident, a truck assistant tragically lost his life late Wednesday night at the Ogolonto Traffic Light Intersection, near the Ikorodu Roundabout, after slipping beneath the rear wheels of a moving truck. The deceased had been attempting to stabilize the vehicle by placing a wooden plank beneath its tires.
Preliminary findings suggest the truck had faulty brakes, contributing to the fatal mishap. LASTMA’s Special Night Gang Patrol Team, on routine duty along the Ikorodu corridor, witnessed the incident and intervened promptly. The truck driver was taken into custody and handed over to the Ipakodo Police Division, while the assistant’s body was conveyed to General Hospital, Ikorodu for formal deposition.
The agency subsequently removed the truck from the expressway to restore traffic flow and prevent further accidents.
Bakare-Oki described the incident as “highly preventable,” urging truck operators to conduct thorough mechanical inspections, particularly of braking systems, before embarking on journeys. He emphasized that poor vehicle maintenance not only endangers drivers but also jeopardizes the safety of other road users.
Road Safety Concerns in Lagos State
These incidents underscore persistent challenges on Lagos roads, particularly concerning:
Overspeeding by commercial and private drivers
Poor vehicle maintenance, especially braking systems
Unregulated roadside stops for refueling and maintenance
The need for consistent enforcement of traffic regulations
The Lagos State Government, through LASTMA, continues to promote road safety via enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with security agencies. Authorities have reiterated that ensuring vehicle fitness and adherence to traffic rules is critical to reducing fatalities and serious injuries on state highways.
As Lagos continues to grapple with high traffic volumes and commercial transport pressures, such incidents highlight the urgent need for proactive safety measures, including periodic mechanical inspections, strict monitoring of overspeeding, and community awareness on road hazard prevention.
