Tragedy struck the Ikorodu metropolis on Saturday when three students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) – two males and one female were killed instantly in a devastating multi-vehicle collision.
The incident happened at Powerline Junction, inward Ikorodu roundabout, Blueprint.ng reports.
Seven other road users, including tricycle operators, sustained grievous injuries in the crash.
According to Director of Public Affairs of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq, in a statement, the catastrophic incident involved an unregistered tipper truck heavily laden with sand, a Toyota Corolla, an MPV bus, and four tricycles.
“Preliminary investigations by traffic operatives point to mechanical failure and excessive speed as the cause of the disaster.
“Officials confirmed that the tipper truck, while traveling at an excessive speed, suffered a mechanical brake failure, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle then careened into multiple other road users, resulting in devastating wreckage and the immediate loss of three lives.
“Operatives of LASTMA provided a swift and professional response, immediately storming the scene to prevent secondary accidents and conduct rescue operations.
“They were quickly reinforced by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and security personnel from the Shagamu Police Division. Together, the teams rescued and swiftly conveyed seven critically injured victims to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment. The three deceased casualties were respectfully evacuated and deposited at the General Hospital, Ikorodu mortuary,” Adebayo stated.
Following the rescue, all wrecked vehicles were meticulously removed by LASTMA personnel to restore order and ensure the free flow of traffic along the corridor.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed profound grief, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased students.
Oki lamented that the incident was entirely avoidable, strongly decrying the “recurring menace of recklessness, overspeeding, and poor vehicular maintenance,” particularly defective braking systems, as persistent causes of fatal road mishaps across Lagos state.
He sternly admonished all commercial and heavy-duty vehicle operators to strictly adhere to statutory speed limits, undergo periodic mechanical checks, and uphold the highest standards of road discipline to preserve lives and property.
The General Manager reassured the public that LASTMA remains steadfast in its mission to promote road safety, enforce traffic discipline, and ensure rapid emergency response across all parts of the state.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
