Lagos, Nigeria – April 12, 2025 – A tragic accident unfolded in Iyana Ejigbo, Lagos, when a speeding commercial bus (AAA 927 YJ) fatally struck a pedestrian and injured two bystanders.
Preliminary investigations by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed excessive speed and brake failure caused the collision.
Witnesses reported the driver lost control abruptly, swerving onto the sidewalk and crushing the victim beneath the vehicle.
Simultaneously, the impact flung two others onto the roadside, leaving them severely wounded.
Shockingly, the driver and conductor abandoned the scene immediately, evading responsibility.
LASTMA responders arrived swiftly, prioritizing rescue efforts and administering critical first aid.
After freeing the deceased, emergency teams rushed all victims to Isolo General Hospital for urgent treatment.
Meanwhile, Ejigbo Police Division officers secured the area, preventing chaos during the operation.
Authorities later impounded the bus, transferring it to police custody for forensic analysis.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki condemned the incident, urging drivers to prioritize speed limits and mechanical checks.
“This tragedy underscores the non-negotiable need for road safety vigilance,” he asserted.
Bakare-Oki further emphasized regular brake inspections, stressing their role in preventing avoidable crashes.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured full recovery.
Additionally, LASTMA reiterated its commitment to enforcing traffic laws through heightened surveillance.
The agency encouraged residents to report reckless driving or emergencies via its toll-free line: 080000527862.
Investigations remain ongoing, with police appealing for witnesses to aid their probe. Community leaders also echoed calls for collective responsibility in curbing road fatalities.
This incident highlights Lagos’ persistent struggle with reckless commercial drivers, despite repeated safety campaigns.
Analysts argue stricter penalties and routine vehicle audits could deter negligence.
Public outrage grows as residents demand accountability for fleeing drivers.
LASTMA’s prompt response, however, demonstrates progress in emergency protocols, offering a model for other states.
Yet, the avoidable loss of life underscores systemic gaps in regulatory enforcement.
Until authorities address root causes—overcrowding, poor maintenance, and impunity—such tragedies may persist.
As Lagos grapples with rapid urbanization, balancing mobility and safety remains critical.
Advocates urge infrastructure upgrades, including dedicated pedestrian pathways and speed cameras.
For now, mourning families await justice, while survivors confront long recoveries, their lives irrevocably altered.
The Ejigbo crash serves as a grim wake-up call: Road safety demands unwavering commitment from drivers, regulators, and citizens alike.
Only through collaboration can Lagos transform its chaotic streets into corridors of security and order.