Tragedy on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway: Three-Member Family Killed as Speeding Truck Sparks Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash
A devastating accident in the early hours of Thursday has left Lagos in mourning after three members of the same family a father, mother, and their young child were killed in a multi-vehicle collision at Secretariat inward Otedola Bridge, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the heartbreaking incident, describing it as a catastrophic crash triggered by reckless high-speed driving by a truck operator who fled the scene immediately after the impact.
According to preliminary findings, the accident involved three vehicles an Audi, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Corolla all struck after an over-speeding, heavily loaded truck rammed into one of the cars from behind. The force of the collision caused the impacted vehicle to veer uncontrollably into two others, resulting in a deadly chain reaction.
In a disturbing turn, the truck driver abandoned his vehicle and escaped, leaving victims trapped in the wreckage and evading responsibility for the fatal accident.
LASTMA operatives, supported by multiple emergency agencies, responded swiftly. Two critically injured victims were extricated from the mangled vehicles and rushed by LASAMBUS to the Lagos State Emergency and Trauma Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical care.
The three deceased family members, found trapped together, were respectfully recovered and handed over to the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) for evacuation.
Security teams from the Isheri Olowora Police Division provided protection throughout the operation, while LASTMA personnel moved the damaged vehicles off the road to prevent additional collisions.
The multi-agency rescue operation drew coordinated support from FRSC, LASEMA, LASAMBUS, SEHMU, and the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, reflecting a strong, unified emergency response.
Speaking on the tragedy, LASTMA General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki described the loss of the entire family as “unbearable and irreplaceable,” urging relatives to find strength during the period of intense grief. He also wished the injured victims a full recovery.
Bakare-Oki lamented the preventable nature of the accident, reiterating LASTMA’s long-standing warnings against excessive speeding, especially by drivers of articulated and heavily loaded trucks. He emphasized that high speed remains one of the deadliest contributors to road fatalities.
He further assured Lagosians that LASTMA will intensify traffic surveillance, enforce speed regulations more aggressively, and continue working closely with security and emergency agencies to prevent similar tragedies.