Eight people, including the driver and conductor of a commercial bus, were confirmed dead in a fatal crash that occurred in the early hours of today Sunday at Atura Bus Stop, along the Badagry corridor of Lagos State.
The collision involved a 16-seater Mazda commercial bus with registration number KJA 811 YF and a DAF truck marked T1 4636 LA. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the tragic incident, which left the Badagry community in shock and mourning.
Operatives of LASTMA, alongside personnel from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force from Morogbo Division, and soldiers from the 244 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Ibereko, launched a joint rescue operation at the scene.
According to emergency responders, eight other passengers were rescued alive with varying degrees of injuries and were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Badagry, for urgent medical attention.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of the commercial bus was speeding and lost control before ramming into the DAF truck. The impact of the crash was described as devastating, leaving several victims with no chance of survival.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, visited the scene to assess the situation and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. He described the crash as a painful reminder of the consequences of reckless driving, urging motorists to exercise greater caution.
“No journey is worth the cost of human lives. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for strict adherence to traffic regulations. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the survivors recover quickly,” he said.
He called on drivers, particularly operators of commercial and heavy-duty vehicles, to avoid speeding and ensure their vehicles are regularly maintained. He stressed that the crash could have been prevented with more responsible driving practices.
“Speed remains a silent killer on our roads. Basic safety principles must not be neglected,” Bakare-Oki warned.
He also reiterated the agency’s shift from traditional traffic control to comprehensive incident management, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which emphasizes proactive safety strategies, rapid emergency response, and improved transportation infrastructure.
“We are no longer just controlling traffic; we are preventing disasters and saving lives. This is the future of traffic management in Lagos,” he added.
Bakare-Oki disclosed that the state government had deployed speed-limiting devices at key accident-prone areas to curb road crashes and promote a safer commuting experience.
The agency expressed gratitude to the FRSC, police, and army for their prompt and coordinated response, and commended LASTMA officers for their professionalism and courage during the rescue effort.
LASTMA urged all road users to remain vigilant, responsible, and safety-conscious, especially on intercity roads where high speed and fatigue frequently contribute to accidents.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, ensuring public safety, and enhancing order on Lagos roads.