In a harrowing and deeply lamentable road catastrophe that unfolded at Ekoro Junction inward Ile-iwe, a tricycle operator tragically lost his life on the spot, while two other individuals (male and female) sustained grievous bodily injuries following a multi-vehicle collision involving a six-tyre trailer (AGL 514 XD), Honda Pilot (FST 992 DV), Toyota Camry (EKY 753 JA), and an unregistered tricycle.
Preliminary investigations by security operatives revealed that the calamity was triggered by a mechanical brake failure in the fully loaded trailer, whose driver consequently lost operational control of the vehicle. The trailer, in its uncontrollable descent, crushed the tricycle beyond recognition before colliding with a Honda Pilot and eventually vaulting over the median to smash into a Toyota Camry and adjacent property on the opposing lane.
Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) arrived at the scene with remarkable alacrity, exhibiting commendable professionalism and efficiency.
They promptly rescued two severely trapped victims after confirming the instantaneous death of the tricycle operator. The accident scene was immediately cordoned off to forestall secondary incidents and facilitate a seamless emergency operation.
Upon securing the area, LASTMA personnel swiftly notified relevant emergency agencies, including operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SHEMU). Thereafter, security officers from the Ile-Epo Police Division conveyed the deceased tricycle operator, alongside the two critically injured survivors, to the General Hospital, Ile-Epo, for urgent medical attention and proper procedural documentation.
During the extensive rescue and evacuation efforts, LASTMA operatives professionally rerouted vehicular flow through Iyana-Meran via Ajasa Command, thereby easing congestion and sustaining vehicular orderliness along the corridor. The thoroughfare was subsequently reopened to traffic after the mangled vehicles and the trailer were successfully evacuated to the Ile-Epo Police Station for further investigation.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed profound grief, describing the incident as both tragic and wholly preventable.
He emphasised that such accidents could be averted through strict adherence to statutory speed limits and the regular maintenance of heavy-duty braking systems.
Mr Bakare-Oki extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased tricycle operator, while offering prayers for the swift and complete recovery of the injured victims.
The General Manager reiterated the Lagos State Government’s unwavering dedication to road safety, driver discipline, and uncompromising enforcement of traffic regulations designed to protect lives and property across the metropolis.
He further admonished all motorists, particularly operators of articulated and heavy-duty vehicles, to exercise utmost caution, ensure frequent mechanical inspections, and observe all safety protocols, stressing that reckless driving and mechanical negligence remain the leading causes of preventable road tragedies in Lagos State.
