Many injured as container-laden truck rams into two buses on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Several passengers travelling in two commercial buses were injured on Tuesday when a truck carrying a 40-foot container rammed into the buses at the Berger area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Five of the passengers, comprising three women and two men, including the driver, sustained critical injuries and were rushed to hospital after the crash.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement signed by the agency’s spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, and made available to the Nigerian Tribune.

Taofiq said, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) today responded to a serious road traffic collision at Berger Bus Stop, inward Kara Bridge, around the Ojodu axis of Lagos State, involving a 40-foot HOWO truck, an interstate commercial Mazda bus and a Toyota Hiace bus, both conveying passengers.”

According to him, “The incident triggered substantial traffic disruption along the affected corridor and necessitated an immediate, coordinated rescue and traffic management operation by the agency’s personnel.”

He added, “Reports indicate that the heavy-duty truck, travelling out of Lagos, rammed into the two commercial passenger vehicles, resulting in serious injuries to several occupants.

“LASTMA operatives stationed around the Ojodu-Berger axis responded promptly, successfully rescuing five seriously injured passengers, comprising three females and two males, including the driver.”

He noted that security personnel from Isheri Police Station provided essential security support, while the injured victims were transported by motorists, accompanied by LASTMA officials, to the Lagos State Emergency and Trauma Centre at the Toll Gate for immediate medical assessment and treatment.

Meanwhile, LASTMA personnel evacuated all the vehicles involved in the collision, including the articulated truck, from the carriageway to prevent secondary accidents and facilitate the swift restoration of traffic flow.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy with the injured passengers and wished them a speedy and full recovery.

He emphasised the importance of responsible driving, strict compliance with road safety regulations and regular maintenance of heavy-duty vehicles, particularly those plying major highways, where mechanical defects, reckless driving or loss of control can have catastrophic consequences.

LASTMA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives, minimising traffic-related hazards and ensuring smooth movement across Lagos State.

The agency consequently urged motorists, particularly operators of articulated trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles, to prioritise vehicle roadworthiness, exercise caution and remain vigilant while navigating major traffic corridors.