The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed that eight persons lost their lives in a fatal traffic accident involving a commercial Mazda bus and a DAF truck at Atura Bus Stop, inbound Badagry, in the early hours of Sunday.
The crash involved a 16-seater commercial bus with registration number KJA 811 YF and a DAF truck marked T1 4636 LA. According to preliminary investigations by traffic enforcement officials, the driver of the commercial bus was speeding and lost control of the vehicle before crashing into the truck.
LASTMA, in coordination with officers from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force (Morogbo Division), and the Nigerian Army’s 244 Battalion (Ibereko Barracks), responded promptly to the scene and conducted an emergency operation to rescue survivors and recover bodies.
Eight passengers, including the bus driver and his conductor, died at the scene. Eight others were rescued with varying degrees of injury and were transported to the General Hospital in Badagry for urgent medical treatment.
LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, visited the site of the incident and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. He emphasized the need for greater caution among commercial drivers, particularly with respect to speed limits and vehicle maintenance.
“This tragic incident is a reminder that speed continues to be a silent killer on our roads. These deaths were avoidable if basic safety rules were followed,” Bakare-Oki stated.
He also appealed to drivers of both commercial and heavy-duty vehicles to prioritize safety protocols and undergo regular vehicle checks. He reiterated the state’s commitment to proactive traffic and emergency response measures, noting that LASTMA is evolving beyond conventional traffic control to a broader role in incident and disaster management.
“This transition aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which promotes safety, emergency preparedness, and infrastructural efficiency as central to the urban transport strategy,” he said.
Mr. Bakare-Oki added that speed-limiting devices are being installed at key flashpoints across the state to help reduce traffic fatalities.
He thanked the FRSC, the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Army, and other agencies for their cooperation and quick response. He also commended LASTMA personnel who were first to arrive at the scene and led the initial rescue efforts.
The Agency urges all motorists and road users to exercise restraint, remain vigilant, and adhere strictly to road safety regulations.
