Tragedy struck on Sunday as a collision between an 18-seater bus and a truck claimed the lives of 20 individuals, including the driver, motor boy, and 18 passengers. The accident occurred at the Age-Mowo section of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. The bus, which had departed from Yaba and was en route to the Republic of Benin, collided with the truck while the driver attempted to overtake another vehicle.
Taofiq Adebayo, the Director of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), confirmed the incident and attributed the cause of the crash to brake failure on the part of the commercial bus. Adebayo explained that the driver lost control while attempting to overtake the truck loaded with sand. The collision resulted in the loss of 20 lives, including those of the passengers, the driver, and his motor boy.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the commercial bus had been chartered by a group of 18 family members and friends who were heading to a family gathering in the Republic of Benin. The authorities dispatched officials from LASTMA and the Federal Road Safety Corps to the scene. Their primary task was to move the deceased to the Badagry General Hospital.
Adebayo expressed his deep regret about the unfortunate incident, emphasizing that LASTMA had been actively engaged in public awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol. The agency had been conducting enlightening sessions at various motor parks across the state, targeting both private and commercial bus drivers.
Bolaji Oreagba, the General Manager of LASTMA, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
Leave a Reply