The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) yesterday confirmed that six people died while nine others sustained injuries in a road accident at Ibeju Bus Stop along the Lekki–Epe Expressway.

According to the agency, the deceased included two men, three women, and a child. The nine survivors, comprising three men and six women, were rescued by LASTMA officials with support from other emergency responders and taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Epe, and Hammond Hospital for treatment.

The bodies of the deceased were deposited at the FMC morgue for identification by their families. In a statement, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed that four people escaped unhurt from the wreckage. He added that the rescue operation was jointly carried out with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), ensuring quick evacuation and the restoration of order at the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the accident involved a blue Volvo FL6 truck loaded with wooden planks and a white commercial bus (AKD 336 YD), and was caused by excessive speeding and reckless driving.

General Manager of LASTMA, OlalekanBakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and condemned dangerous driving habits on Lagos highways. He stressed the importance of patience, discipline, and defensive driving to prevent such tragedies, particularly during the Ember Months, which are associated with increased traffic and accidents.

Bakare-Oki emphasised that road crashes result from human recklessness and poor judgement, not supernatural forces, and urged motorists to obey traffic rules, avoid distractions, and remain focused while driving.

He commended emergency responders for their swift action and underscored the need for collaboration between enforcement agencies and the public to ensure safer roads.

LASTMA reiterated its commitment to preserving lives, protecting property, and maintaining a safe traffic environment across the state.