A series of traffic accidents in Lagos have left 11 people injured and caused significant disruptions across the city. On Friday morning, a fully loaded Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus overturned on its side within the dedicated BRT lane along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway near Iyana-Ipaja. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the accident resulted in 10 injuries, with emergency responders quickly arriving at the scene to provide medical assistance and transport the victims to nearby hospitals.
Major Accidents Cause Traffic Disruptions
The BRT bus accident occurred around 7:45 a.m., according to a post by LASTMA on X (formerly known as Twitter). The agency, which manages traffic and enforces traffic laws in Lagos State, reported that all 10 injured passengers were given prompt medical attention. However, details on the cause of the accident and the condition of the victims remain unclear.
While authorities investigate the BRT bus incident, another significant accident occurred on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at Durbar Junction, where a loaded truck fell and completely blocked the road heading toward Alakija. This accident caused major traffic delays, forcing LASTMA to divert vehicles through the service lane from Orile heading towards Durbar. The agency reported on X, “[7:22 AM] #LagBadgryExp #DurbarJunction #AccidentReport There is a fallen loaded truck at Durbar Junction inward Alakija that took 100% of the road.”
The blockage led to substantial delays for commuters in the area. LASTMA teams have been working on the scene to monitor the situation and manage traffic flow. “Effort is ongoing to evacuate it from the road and our men are firmly in position to monitor the situation,” the agency stated. The transloading of contents from the fallen truck is currently underway, and LASTMA has apologized for the inconvenience caused by the delays.
Speeding Causes Additional Accident in Lekki-Ajah Area
As if the morning’s traffic chaos wasn’t enough, another road crash involving two vehicles took place opposite Northwest, heading inward Ajah. This incident was attributed to overspeeding and resulted in one injury. LASTMA shared details about this crash on X, stating, “[10:10 AM] #LekkiAjah #Northwest Picture of a road crash that involved 2 vehicles with one injured victim due to over-speeding opposite Northwest inward Ajah.”
Motorists in the Lekki-Ajah area faced additional delays as authorities responded to the crash. Emergency services were on the scene to assist the injured and clear the wreckage. LASTMA has urged drivers to reduce their speed and exercise caution, especially on busy roads like those in Lekki-Ajah.
The spate of accidents across Lagos on Friday underscores the ongoing challenges of managing traffic in one of Nigeria’s busiest cities. Authorities continue to advise motorists to follow road safety rules, be patient during diversions, and stay updated on traffic advisories to avoid further delays.
Authorities Call for Caution Amid Traffic Chaos
As efforts to clear the blocked roads continue, authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution and patience. The accidents have created significant congestion, affecting thousands of commuters across Lagos. LASTMA has deployed additional personnel to manage traffic and assist in clearing the accidents to restore normal traffic flow as soon as possible.
Motorists are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to all traffic rules, especially in accident-prone areas. The Lagos State government has emphasized the importance of driving safely and responsibly to prevent further incidents. “We are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and smooth movement of all road users,” a LASTMA spokesperson said.
The string of accidents on Lagos roads highlights the critical need for improved road safety measures and driver education. The incidents serve as a stark reminder for all motorists to remain alert, avoid speeding, and adhere to traffic regulations to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
Source: Punch
