- Safiu Kehinde
No fewer than six persons have been confirmed dead with nine others injured in fatal auto crash along Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ibeju area of Lagos State.
This was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) General Manager, Bakare-Oki.
According to Bakare-Oki, the deceased comprised two adult males, three adult females and one minor.
The nine injured survivors comprising of three males and six females, were extricated by LASTMA Rescue Unit in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC).
“They were immediately conveyed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Epe and Hammond Hospital for urgent medical attention.
“The remains of the deceased were deposited at the FMC morgue, pending formal identification by their bereaved families,” the LASTMA boss said.
He added that four individuals escaped unhurt from the wreckage of the tragic incident.
Meanwhile, preliminary investigations revealed that the accident, which involved a blue Volvo FL6 truck conveying wooden planks and a white commercial bus (AKD 336 YD), was caused by speeding and reckless driving.
Bakare-Oki extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and decried the persistent menace of reckless driving on Lagos highways.
He reiterated LASTMA’s age-long caution that “speed thrills but ultimately kills.”
The LASTMA boss admonished motorists to cultivate the virtues of patience, discipline, and defensive driving.
He noted that speeding endangers not only the life of the driver but also the safety of passengers and other unsuspecting road users.
He urged motorists to strictly comply with traffic regulations, avoid distractions and maintain full concentration behind the wheel, particularly during the “Ember Months.”