Three Killed, Two Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
Three members of a family lost their lives in a fatal multi-vehicle collision in the early hours of today at Secretariat inward Otedola Bridge along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, while two other victims sustained critical injuries.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the accident involved three vehicles—an Audi, a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Corolla. Preliminary investigations indicated that the crash was triggered when a heavily loaded truck, allegedly travelling at high speed, rammed into one of the vehicles from behind, causing it to lose control and collide with two other moving vehicles in a chain reaction.
The impact reportedly killed the father, mother and their child on the spot. The truck driver was said to have fled the scene with the vehicle immediately after the crash.
LASTMA operatives, in collaboration with other emergency agencies, arrived promptly at the scene to carry out rescue and recovery operations. Two victims who sustained critical injuries and were trapped in the wreckage were extricated and transported by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) to the Lagos State Emergency and Trauma Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical attention.
The remains of the deceased family members were recovered and handed over to the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) for evacuation. Security personnel from the Isheri Olowora Police Division provided protection during the operation, while damaged vehicles were removed from the carriageway to prevent further accidents.
The rescue effort involved a multi-agency response comprising LASTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), LASAMBUS, SEHMU and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over what he described as the “irreplaceable loss of an entire family.” He condoled with the bereaved relatives and prayed for strength for them in their moment of grief, while wishing the injured victims a speedy recovery.
Bakare-Oki reiterated the authority’s warning against reckless speeding, particularly by drivers of articulated and heavily loaded vehicles, noting that excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of fatal road crashes. He urged motorists to observe traffic regulations and practise defensive driving.
He assured residents that LASTMA would continue to strengthen traffic surveillance, enforcement and collaboration with relevant agencies to prevent similar tragedies on Lagos roads.
