A fatal accident involving a 40-foot containerised truck and a commercial minibus, locally called “Korope,” claimed the life of the minibus driver early yesterday along Old Ipaja Road near Agbotikuyo, en route to Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the fully-loaded Mack truck, with registration number MUS 729 XY, suffered a brake failure, causing it to topple onto the minibus. The impact led to the instant death of the driver, whose body was later recovered by emergency responders.

According to LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, three passengers: a man and two women were rescued from the wreckage. Though uninjured, they were handed over to medical personnel for further evaluation.

The accident caused significant traffic disruption, blocking much of the arterial road and triggering gridlock that extended to nearby streets such as Shofunde and Olufunlayo. LASTMA officers quickly implemented diversion strategies to ease the congestion.

The truck driver attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by LASTMA officials and handed over to police officers from the Elere and Area ‘G’ Commands.

A coordinated response by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), LASTMA, and the Nigeria Police Force ensured the recovery of the driver’s body and the restoration of normal traffic flow.

Reacting to the incident, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased.

And warned truck operators to adhere strictly to safety protocols.

“Truck operators must adhere strictly to safety protocols. It is non-negotiable that every articulated vehicle undergo thorough mechanical inspection, especially of the braking systems, before being allowed on our roads. Preventable tragedies like this highlight the urgent need for compliance,” he said.

Giwa reiterated the Lagos State government’s commitment to enforcing traffic safety regulations, enhancing emergency response mechanisms, and ensuring that only roadworthy vehicles operate on Lagos roads.