Metro
LASTMA Confirms Three Family Members Dead, Two Injured in Tragic Lagos Accident
The accident, according to a statement by LASTMA, which involved an Audi, a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Corolla, was caused by a heavily loaded truck reportedly travelling at an excessive speed.
Preliminary findings show that the truck rammed into one of the vehicles from behind, causing it to veer out of control and collide with two other moving cars, resulting in a deadly chain reaction.
A father, mother and their young child died instantly, leaving behind a devastating scene that authorities described as both preventable and deeply tragic. Two other victims were rescued with severe injuries.
LASTMA disclosed that the truck driver fled the scene immediately after the collision, abandoning his vehicle and evading responsibility for the fatalities.
Operatives of the agency were said to have arrived promptly at the crash site, working with other emergency responders to rescue survivors and recover the deceased.
Officers extricated two critically injured victims trapped in the wreckage and handed them over to the Lagos State Ambulance Service, LASAMBUS, for emergency treatment.
The bodies of the three deceased family members were recovered and transferred to the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, SEHMU, for evacuation.
The injured survivors were conveyed to the Lagos State Emergency and Trauma Centre at the Toll Gate for further medical care.
Security support during the operation was provided by officers of the Isheri Olowora Police Division, while LASTMA personnel cleared the damaged vehicles from the expressway to prevent a secondary crash.
The statement noted that apart from LASTMA, other agencies including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), LASAMBUS, SEHMU, and the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, responded to rescue call.
LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the incident as an “unbearable tragedy,” mourning the loss of an entire family and offering prayers for the bereaved. He also wished the injured survivors a swift recovery.
Bakare-Oki lamented that the accident was avoidable, reiterating the agency’s warning against excessive speed, especially by drivers of articulated and heavily loaded trucks.
He stressed that speeding remains a major cause of fatal crashes and urged motorists to embrace defensive driving and obey speed limits at all times.
He further assured Lagos residents that LASTMA will continue to intensify traffic surveillance, enforce safety regulations and strengthen collaboration with emergency and security agencies to reduce preventable road tragedies.
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has intensified support for community-based security with the donation of 100 anti-riot kits and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The high quality modern equipment was presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the General Manager of LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, at the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency plays a critical role in grassroots security as they support the police through intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and community policing initiatives across all local government areas in the state. The Corps is also tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting suspicious activities, and fostering safety awareness within communities.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen neighbourhood-level security architecture and deepen collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies in State.
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
