A fatal accident occurred on Monday morning along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway when a Toyota Highlander SUV crashed into a commercial minibus, locally known as Korope, at Volkswagen Bus Stop, inward Mile 2.
The SUV, bearing registration number APP 150 EY, rammed into the stationary minibus that was illegally loading passengers at the roadside. The lone driver of the SUV died instantly from the impact. Another commercial vehicle, a painted T4 minibus with registration number KJA 328 XH, was also caught up in the crash.
Eyewitnesses said the Highlander, which was at high speed, lost control before colliding with the bus, leaving a trail of destruction.
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) promptly arrived at the scene, recovered the victim’s remains from the wreckage, and handed them over to the Ojo Police Division. The body was later deposited at the C-Niger Mortuary in Abule Ado.
The crash caused heavy traffic gridlock along the busy corridor, but LASTMA officers quickly cleared the wreckage and towed both vehicles to the Ojo Police Division for further investigation.
LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased while cautioning motorists against overspeeding and reckless driving. He also condemned the persistent practice of commercial bus drivers picking passengers along the road instead of at designated stops.
“The sanctity of human life must never be compromised by recklessness on our highways,” Bakare-Oki stated. “We will intensify enforcement and sustain public enlightenment campaigns to prevent needless tragedies.”