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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed that one person died and four others were rescued following a road accident at Ekoro Junction, Abule-Egba, on Friday evening.
The Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, said in a statement on the agency’s X handle on Saturday that the crash occurred around 7:30 p.m. when an empty MACK tanker suffered sudden brake failure, lost control, collided with a Toyota Corolla, and crashed into a roadside shop. The tanker was registered EKY 900 XY, while the Corolla carried the plate AAA 823 AY.
“The magnitude of the collision led to the immediate confirmation of one fatality at the scene, while four other trapped persons were extricated from the wreckage through coordinated emergency rescue efforts,” the agency stated.
LASTMA activated its Rescue and Recovery Protocol, deploying specialised operatives to manage the scene. “Personnel implemented strategic traffic diversion, vehicular evacuation procedures and crowd management in synergy with other emergency responders to forestall secondary incidents and guarantee unobstructed access for rescue operations,” it added. Emergency teams also provided medical attention to the injured.
A heavy-duty tow truck was later brought in to evacuate the damaged tanker and clear debris to restore traffic flow. The tanker driver fled the scene, and security operatives are working to apprehend him and initiate legal proceedings.
“Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Ekoro Division, responded expeditiously, maintaining public order, securing the accident perimeter and assisting in investigative processes aimed at establishing the precise sequence of events that culminated in the mechanical failure and subsequent collision,” LASTMA said.
The crash caused significant traffic congestion along adjoining routes to Abule-Egba, requiring traffic management measures to alleviate delays.
The agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased and urged transport operators, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, to prioritise regular vehicle maintenance. “Preventable mechanical deficiencies remain a significant contributory factor in severe road traffic crashes,” he said, adding that motorists should exercise vigilance, obey traffic regulations, and drive responsibly.
Bakare-Oki also assured the public that a thorough investigation would determine the causes of the incident and that anyone found responsible would face prosecution. Other emergency responders at the scene included the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Ambulance Service, the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, and officers of the Nigeria Police Force, who coordinated rescue, medical response, and safety measures.
