No fewer than two people lost their lives, while six others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a series of road accidents recorded in different parts of Lagos on New Year’s Day.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority confirmed the incidents in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq.
According to the agency, the fatal crashes occurred at Iyana Itire in Oshodi, the Lekki–Ajah Expressway, and along the Ikorodu Road corridor.
LASTMA disclosed that two persons died following a collision between a Volkswagen commercial bus and a Toyota Sienna at Iyana Itire, inward Oshodi.
“A fatal collision between a Volkswagen commercial bus and a Toyota Sienna at Iyana Itire, inward Oshodi, resulted in the loss of two lives,” the statement said.
The agency noted that its officials promptly arrived at the scene, contacted the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SHEMU) to evacuate the bodies, and ensured traffic flow was not disrupted.
In another accident along Ibeju Bridge, inward Eleko axis of the Lekki–Ajah Expressway, a DAF tanker reportedly crashed into an Opel Zafira, leaving two persons critically injured.
“LASTMA’s emergency response team swiftly rescued the injured victims and conveyed them to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment,” the agency stated.
Similarly, four people were injured in a separate crash involving a Volkswagen commercial bus and a Toyota Corolla at Owode Elede, inward Owode Onirin on Ikorodu Road.
LASTMA said its operatives rescued the victims, facilitated their transfer to hospital, and restored normal traffic movement in the area.
Reacting to the incidents, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the crashes as avoidable and blamed reckless driving and excessive speeding.
“These crashes are deeply unfortunate, especially on a day meant for celebration, reflection and renewed hope,” Bakare-Oki said.
He expressed sympathy with the families of those who lost their lives and commended LASTMA officers for their prompt response, which he said helped prevent further casualties.
Bakare-Oki also urged motorists to drive responsibly and obey traffic regulations.
“Motorists must prioritise human life over speed and impatience by adhering strictly to traffic rules,” he warned.
The traffic agency reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing road safety laws, responding swiftly to emergencies, and sensitising road users, particularly during festive periods with increased vehicular movement.
