Tragedy in Lagos as container truck crushes vehicles, leaves one dead, several injured

A tragic accident occurred along the Cele Expressway in Lagos on Saturday when a 40-foot container-laden truck lost control and toppled onto multiple vehicles, resulting in the death of a pedestrian and leaving several others injured.

The incident, confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), happened on the expressway inbound Oshodi and involved five commercial buses and two private vehicles.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with emergency responders rushing to rescue victims trapped under the wreckage.

According to an official statement by LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, the truck, which was carrying two large containers, suffered a brake failure while moving at high speed, causing it to lose control and crash into surrounding vehicles.

Rescue efforts were swiftly carried out by LASTMA personnel in collaboration with other emergency services, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

“The resulting loss of control led to the dislodgment of the containers, which subsequently collapsed onto five commercial buses and a pair of private vehicles, causing significant structural damage and human casualties.

“One of the commercial bus drivers sustained multiple compound fractures to both his arm and leg, while the remaining injured parties were promptly evacuated by LASAMBUS to the General Hospital, Isolo medical facility for immediate and comprehensive treatment,” he said.

LASTMA confirmed that normal traffic flow has since resumed in the area.

The agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended sympathies to the family of the deceased and expressed hopes for a speedy recovery for those injured. He also urged truck drivers—particularly those carrying heavy containers—to conduct regular maintenance checks, with a focus on brake systems.

He further admonished all motorists to comply rigorously with posted speed limits and extant traffic laws established to safeguard public roadways.