LASTMA Rescues Three, One Dead As Containerized Truck Crushes Minibus Along Old Ipaja Road

 

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos 

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reported the crushing of a commercial minibus commonly referred to as ‘Korope’ by a fully-laden 40-foot Mack containerized truck (MUS 729 XY) in the early hours of Sunday, June 22, 2025, along Old Ipaja Road by Agbotikuyo, en route to Iyana Ipaja.

The incidence occurred as a result of the brake failure of the truck, making it go out of control and with a swerve, it slanted sideways before falling  on top of the minibus, leading to a devastating impact that led to the instant death of the minibus driver.

In a remarkable display of courage and promptness, LASTMA Officers deployed along the corridor swiftly mobilized and rescued three passengers — two females and one male — unhurt but were immediately handed over to medical emergency responders for clinical attention.

The fallen articulated truck obstructed over 50 percent of the arterial carriageway, precipitating a substantial traffic backlog that rippled across adjoining routes, notably Shofunde and Olufunlayo. LASTMA operatives immediately instituted comprehensive traffic diversion and control protocols to alleviate the congestion and maintain orderliness.

It is worthy of note that the truck driver, in a failed attempt to abscond from the scene, was apprehended by vigilant LASTMA Officers and promptly transferred to security personnel from both the Elere and Area ‘G’ Police Divisions, who had been duly notified by LASTMA officials.

Emergency response teams from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit, Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), and officers of the Nigeria Police Force collaborated efficiently with prompt coordination by LASTMA rescue team to secure the accident scene, recover the remains, and ensure traffic and civil normalcy were fully restored.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Honourable Sola Giwa, expressed profound sadness and extended his condolences to the bereaved family. 

He used the occasion to issue a stern reminder to all operators of articulated vehicles to exercise the utmost vigilance and mechanical diligence.

In his words, “Truck operators must adhere strictly to safety protocols. It is non-negotiable that every articulated vehicle undergo thorough mechanical inspection — especially the braking systems — before venturing onto our roads. Preventable tragedies like this underscore the need for unwavering compliance.”

Hon. Giwa also assured the public that the State Government remains resolute in its commitment to traffic safety enforcement, robust emergency responsiveness, and the relentless pursuit of roadworthiness compliance to avert further loss of lives.

For real-time traffic updates, emergency intervention, or road safety assistance, the public is advised to contact LASTMA via its toll-free hotline: 0800-00-LASTMA (080000527862).