Two passengers were critically injured in the early hours of the day following a serious road accident involving a commercial bus along the busy Oshodi–Oke route in Lagos State. The crash occurred around the Heritage Garden stretch of the road, a known high-traffic corridor linking several parts of the metropolis.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in an official statement on Monday. According to the agency, the accident involved a red commercial Tata long bus with registration number MUS 507 XX.
LASTMA said preliminary investigations showed that the accident was caused by excessive speeding. The bus reportedly rammed into a moving truck along the route after the driver lost control due to high speed.
Eyewitnesses at the scene said the impact of the collision was severe, leaving the front part of the bus badly damaged. Two passengers were trapped inside the vehicle and sustained critical injuries. Other passengers reportedly escaped with minor or no injuries.
According to LASTMA officials, the truck involved in the collision drove away from the scene shortly after the accident. The agency said the truck did not appear to sustain visible damage, which made it difficult to immediately identify or apprehend the driver.
“The bus crashed into a moving truck due to excessive speeding,” LASTMA said. “Unfortunately, the truck left the scene before officers could take details or make an arrest.”
Traffic authorities said they were alerted to the accident shortly after it happened. LASTMA officers quickly moved to the scene to manage the situation and prevent further danger to other road users.
On arrival, officials found two passengers critically injured and trapped inside the damaged bus. Rescue efforts began immediately, with officers working carefully to free the victims from the wreckage.
LASTMA said its officers successfully rescued the injured passengers and activated emergency response procedures without delay. The Lagos State Ambulance Service, also known as LASAMBUS, was contacted to provide medical assistance.
The injured passengers were given first aid at the scene before being rushed to a nearby hospital for further treatment. As of the time of filing this report, there was no official update on their condition.
To prevent a secondary accident and reduce traffic congestion on the busy road, LASTMA officers took control of the area. The wrecked bus was removed from the road to allow traffic to flow freely.
The driver of the commercial bus was also apprehended by LASTMA officials and taken in for questioning. Authorities said the driver would be investigated to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy with the injured passengers and their families. He wished the victims a quick and full recovery.
Bakare-Oki described the accident as avoidable and blamed it on reckless driving, particularly excessive speeding. He warned motorists, especially commercial drivers, to obey traffic rules and drive responsibly.
“This crash could have been avoided if the driver had obeyed speed limits,” he said. “Speeding remains one of the major causes of road accidents in Lagos, and we will continue to enforce traffic laws to protect lives.”
The LASTMA boss also used the opportunity to remind drivers that Lagos roads are shared spaces and that patience and caution are necessary at all times, especially during early morning hours when some drivers tend to overspeed due to lighter traffic.
Road accidents remain a major concern in Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city. With millions of vehicles using the roads daily, traffic congestion and unsafe driving practices continue to pose serious risks to commuters.
Commercial buses, commonly known as “long buses” or “danfo,” are a major means of transportation for residents. However, these vehicles are often involved in accidents due to factors such as speeding, poor vehicle condition, driver fatigue, and disregard for traffic laws.
The Oshodi–Oke axis is one of the busiest routes in Lagos, linking major commercial and residential areas. Accidents along this corridor are not uncommon, especially during peak hours and early mornings when drivers try to beat traffic.
In recent years, the Lagos State Government has increased efforts to reduce road accidents through stricter enforcement of traffic laws, public awareness campaigns, and improved emergency response systems. Agencies like LASTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and LASAMBUS play key roles in these efforts.
LASAMBUS, in particular, has been praised for its quick response to road accidents across the state. The service operates emergency ambulances that provide immediate medical care and transport victims to hospitals.
Despite these efforts, traffic authorities say more needs to be done by motorists themselves. They stress that no amount of enforcement can replace responsible driving and respect for road safety rules.
LASTMA has repeatedly warned that drivers found guilty of reckless driving, speeding, or other traffic offences will face penalties as provided by law. The agency says its goal is not punishment but the protection of lives and property.
Residents and road users have also been urged to report dangerous driving and accidents promptly to emergency agencies. Quick reporting, officials say, can save lives and reduce the severity of injuries.
The latest incident serves as another reminder of the dangers of speeding and the importance of road safety in Lagos. For many commuters who rely on commercial transport daily, the hope remains that stronger enforcement and safer driving habits will reduce the growing number of road accidents across the state.