The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the occurrence of two profoundly tragic road crashes along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, which claimed five lives and left five others severely injured, once again amplifying the dire repercussions of excessive speeding and gross negligence of traffic regulations.
The first catastrophic incident unfolded during the early hours of yesterday at Abijo Bus Stop, precisely under the pedestrian bridge on the inward Epe corridor, where a Mitsubishi pick-up van bearing registration number AKD 733 JM, travelling at an exceedingly perilous speed, lost control and crashed into a stationary Craneburg Construction Company equipment, lawfully parked.
In a statement by Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the colossal impact resulted in the instantaneous death of four occupants (three males and one female) whose bodies were recovered lifeless at the scene of the accident.
Demonstrating their operational dexterity and swift emergency response capabilities, LASTMA operatives successfully rescued three additional female occupants from the wreckage. These survivors were promptly stabilised and handed over to officers of the Eleko Division of the Nigeria Police Force for onward transfer to nearby medical institutions for urgent care and further evaluation.
In an equally heart-rending but separate overnight incident, a Toyota Escort Jeep, also travelling at an ungovernable speed, crashed violently into a parked Dangote truck on the Frajend Group axis inward Bogije, along the same Lekki-Epe Expressway.
The devastating collision resulted in the immediate death of the SUV driver. At the same time, two other passengers, grievously injured and entrapped within the crushed vehicle, were meticulously extricated by LASTMA personnel after a laborious and delicate rescue operation.
Upon successful recovery, both survivors were immediately placed in the custody of officers from the Elemoro Police Division, who ensured their swift transfer to medical facilities for life-saving treatment.
General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed profound grief and extended his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, describing the accidents as a catastrophic and preventable tragedy.
“We stand in solidarity with the bereaved 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,” Mr. Bakare-Oki remarked solemnly.
The General Manager issued a stern and unequivocal warning to all motorists, including private vehicle owners and commercial operators, to refrain from dangerous driving practices, particularly excessive speeding, which remains one of the most egregious infractions contributing to road fatalities.
“These deeply saddening occurrences serve as grim reminders of the catastrophic consequences that stem from the willful violation of established speed regulations. The Lagos State Government has made substantial investments in traffic control infrastructure, ranging from road signage and speed limiters to high-visibility furniture, to mitigate such disasters.
Motorists are hereby implored to abide by these measures, which are designed solely for the preservation of human life,” he added emphatically.
Bakare-Oki also praised the LASTMA rescue teams for their swift, professional, and life-saving actions, reaffirming the authority’s unwavering commitment to road safety, emergency response, and the protection of all road users across Lagos State.
Members of the public are kindly encouraged to report traffic emergencies, obstructions, or accidents via LASTMA’s dedicated toll-free hotline: 0800 00 527 862. Prompt reporting enables quick deployment of assistance and can be crucial in preventing further loss of life.
LASTMA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to enforce vehicular discipline, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, and safeguard the motoring public through enhanced safety measures and comprehensive traffic management frameworks.
