A tragic road accident in the Majidun area near Ogolonto, Lagos, has claimed the life of a passenger and left six others injured after a commercial bus crashed into a stationary tipper truck. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the collision was caused by a sudden brake failure while the bus was travelling at high speed.
According to LASTMA, the Volkswagen commercial bus, bearing registration number EPE 494 XM, lost control when its brakes failed, leading to a collision with the tipper truck parked on the roadside. Reports indicated that the tipper truck driver had stopped to purchase diesel at a nearby fuel station when the accident occurred.
An adult female passenger of the bus died instantly at the scene. Five women and one man sustained injuries of varying degrees and were immediately rushed to Benic Special Hospital for medical attention. The deceased was later evacuated to the General Hospital, Ikorodu, for official documentation and postmortem procedures.
Eyewitnesses described the crash as a loud and sudden impact that sent shockwaves through the area. “It happened so fast. We heard a loud bang, and the bus had slammed into the tipper,” one bystander said. “People were screaming, and some of the passengers were thrown from their seats.”
LASTMA officials confirmed that both the bus driver and the tipper truck driver were apprehended following the accident. Reports suggest that the tipper driver initially attempted to flee the scene but was chased and detained by traffic officers. Both men have been handed over to the Ipakodo Police Division for further investigation. Authorities are expected to determine whether the bus was in proper mechanical condition before the crash and if the tipper driver followed safety regulations while parked on the roadside.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery. He also took the opportunity to caution motorists about the dangers of reckless driving and speeding, especially on busy roads.
“Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to respond to sudden mechanical faults or hazards,” Bakare-Oki said. “It is important for all road users to exercise caution and follow traffic rules to prevent tragic incidents like this.”
He added that regular maintenance checks for vehicles are crucial, particularly for commercial transport operators, as mechanical failures are a leading cause of accidents in Lagos and across Nigeria.
Lagos State, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, has one of the busiest road networks in the country. Thousands of commercial buses, trucks, and private vehicles traverse the city daily. With high traffic volumes, poor road maintenance in some areas, and instances of reckless driving, Lagos roads have become a hotspot for road accidents.
Data from LASTMA shows that speeding and mechanical failures contribute to a significant portion of accidents recorded in Lagos annually. Over the past five years, there has been a marked increase in accidents involving commercial buses, often resulting in fatalities and multiple injuries.
The crash in Majidun caused temporary traffic congestion as emergency responders cleared the wreckage. Local residents described the area as busy, with frequent accidents reported along that stretch of road. Many have called on authorities to improve road safety measures, such as clearer signage, speed bumps, and proper parking zones for heavy vehicles.
The incident also highlights the vulnerability of passengers in commercial vehicles, many of whom rely on buses and shared transport for daily commuting. Safety advocates have urged the public to prioritize travel with operators who maintain their vehicles properly and adhere to traffic rules.
Nigeria continues to record one of the highest rates of road accidents in Africa, with thousands of fatalities reported annually. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), speeding, poor road conditions, driver negligence, and mechanical failures are among the leading causes of accidents nationwide.
Road safety campaigns often stress the importance of seat belts, speed limits, and vehicle inspection, but incidents like the Majidun crash show that much more needs to be done. Advocates call for better collaboration between traffic authorities, vehicle owners, and drivers to prevent similar tragedies.
Authorities in Lagos State are expected to investigate the Majidun crash thoroughly and take appropriate action against those responsible. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with speeding and mechanical failures on busy roads.
LASTMA continues to urge Lagos motorists, commercial drivers, and the public to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, observe speed limits, and ensure vehicles are roadworthy. The goal is to reduce preventable accidents and protect lives across the state.
