TRAGEDY AT ELEKO: Motorist Killed, Wife Critically Injure Granite Truck Crushes Toyota on Lekki–Ajah Expressway

Driver Flees Scene After Fatal Brake Failure — Fuel Tanker Fire Also Rocks Lagos–Abeokuta Highway

LAGOS — Tragedy struck early Thursday morning at Eleko Junction along the Lekki–Ajah Expressway when a granite-laden articulated truck toppled onto a Toyota saloon car, killing the male driver instantly and leaving his wife critically injured.
According to preliminary reports, the truck, heavily loaded with granite and travelling from the Epe axis at high speed, reportedly suffered a catastrophic brake failure while approaching Eleko Junction. The mechanical malfunction caused the driver to lose control, veering off course before crashing violently into the Toyota vehicle heading inward Epe from Ajah.
The force of the collision caused the truck to overturn, crushing the smaller vehicle beneath its massive weight. The driver of the Toyota became trapped inside the mangled wreckage.
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and assisted by bystanders, carried out a coordinated rescue operation to extricate the victims. The male driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife, who sustained life-threatening injuries, was rushed for urgent medical treatment.
The remains of the deceased and his injured spouse were evacuated by an FRSC ambulance for necessary medical and mortuary procedures.
In a disturbing development, the driver of the articulated truck reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash, evading arrest and accountability. Security operatives from the Akodo Police Division provided reinforcement, ensuring order and protecting the accident scene during rescue and recovery operations.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the incident as a painful and preventable tragedy. He extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured woman.
Bakare-Oki reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strict enforcement of traffic laws, particularly against reckless driving, poor vehicle maintenance, and violations of road safety regulations.
Midnight Inferno: 33,000-Litre Fuel Tanker Bursts Into Flames on Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway
In a separate incident, a 33,000-litre fuel tanker went up in flames around midnight at Ile-Zik inward Magboro along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway.
The LASTMA Rescue Team, working in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, swiftly mobilised to the scene. Through coordinated efforts, emergency responders successfully contained and extinguished the fire before it could escalate into a major disaster.
To ensure unhindered emergency access, LASTMA officials temporarily diverted traffic into the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor. Following the successful firefighting operation and recovery process, normal traffic flow was restored.
Authorities have reiterated the need for strict compliance with safety standards to prevent recurring road tragedies across the state.
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