One killed, 3 rescued with injuries as truck crushes minibus in Lagos

Monday, June 23, 2025 - A 40-foot container truck experienced brake failure and overturned onto a commercial minibus, resulting in the death of the minibus driver in Lagos State.

Adebayo Taofiq, Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), reported that the tragic accident occurred early on Sunday, June 22, 2025, along Old Ipaja Road near Agbotikuyo, on the way to Iyana Ipaja.

According to the statement, LASTMA officers rescued three passengers from the minibus, who were uninjured, and handed them over to medical emergency responders for evaluation and care.

“The catastrophic collision involved a fully-laden 40-foot Mack containerized truck (MUS 729 XY), which, reportedly due to catastrophic brake failure, toppled onto a commercial minibus — colloquially referred to as ‘Korope’,” the statement read. 

"Tragically, the devastating impact led to the instantaneous d3ath of the minibus driver, whose life was abruptly cut short in the line of duty.

"In a remarkable display of courage and promptitude, 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 deep sadness and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

He used the opportunity to issue a strong reminder to all operators of articulated vehicles to exercise maximum vigilance and ensure their vehicles are in proper working condition.

“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,” Giwa stated.