Five killed in Lagos road crash, LASTMA blames over speeding

Taofiq said one of the incidents happened at Abijo Bus Stop, precisely under the pedestrian bridge on the inward Epe corridor while the other occurred in the Frajend Group axis inward Bogije, both along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The statement read partly, “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 the day 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.

“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.”

The LASTMA image maker further said operatives of the agency swiftly rescued three additional female occupants from the wreckage, who were stabilised and handed over to officers of the Eleko Division of the Nigeria Police Force for treatment.

He continued that “In an equally heart-rending but separate overnight incident, a Toyota Escort Jeep, also, at an ungovernable speed, crashed violently into a parked Dangote truck in the Frajend Group axis inward Bogije, along the same Lekki-Epe Expressway.

“The devastating collision resulted in the immediate death of the SUV driver, while two other passengers, grievously injured and entrapped within the crushed vehicle, were meticulously extricated by LASTMA personnel after a laborious and delicate rescue operation.”

According to Taofiq, both survivors were immediately placed in the custody of officers from the Elemoro Police Division, who took them to receive medical attention.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed profound grief and extended deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, describing the accidents as a colossal and avoidable 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 further issued a stern and unequivocal caution to all motorists both private vehicle owners and commercial operators to desist from dangerous driving practices, particularly excessive speeding, which remains one of the most egregious infractions contributing to road fatalities.

He commended the officers who worked at the emergency scenes for their displays of professionalism.