The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reported a tragic road traffic incident that occurred in the early hours of Sunday June 22, 2025, on old Ipaja road by Agbotikuyo, en route to Iyana Ipaja.
A 40-foot containerided truck suffered catastrophic brake failure, resulting in it toppling onto a commercial minibus, commonly known as ‘Korope,’ and causing the immediate death of the minibus driver, Blueprint reports.
According to the director of public affairs, LASTMA, Taofiq Adebayo, the fully-laden Mack containerised truck (with registration number MUS 729 XY) lost its brakes, leading to the devastating collision.
Blueprint further reports that in a swift and commendable display of emergency response, LASTMA officers on the scene promptly rescued three passengers from the crushed minibus.
Two females and one male were pulled out unhurt and immediately handed over to medical emergency responders for necessary clinical attention.
The overturned articulated truck significantly obstructed over 50 percent of the arterial carriageway, causing substantial traffic backlog that affected adjoining routes like Shofunde and Olufunlayo.
LASTMA operatives quickly implemented comprehensive traffic diversion and control protocols to ease the congestion and maintain order.
Notably, the truck driver attempted to flee the scene but was swiftly apprehended by vigilant LASTMA officers.
He was then transferred to security personnel from both the Elere and Area ‘G’ Police Divisions, who had been alerted by LASTMA.
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 LASTMA’s rescue team to secure the accident scene, recover the remains of the deceased, and ensure traffic and civil normalcy were fully restored.
Honourable Sola Giwa, the special adviser to the governor on Transportation, expressed profound sadness over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
He used the opportunity to issue a stern warning to all articulated vehicle operators, urging them to prioritise vigilance and mechanical diligence.
“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 stated.
He further assured the public of the state government’s unwavering commitment to traffic safety enforcement, robust emergency responsiveness, and the relentless pursuit of roadworthiness compliance to prevent further loss of lives on Lagos roads.
For real-time traffic updates, emergency intervention, or road safety assistance, the public can contact LASTMA via its toll-free hotline: 0800-00-LASTMA (080000527862).