Brake Failure Horror: 40-Foot Truck Crushes Minibus in Lagos, One Dead, Three Rescued
Tragedy struck on Sunday, June 22, 2025, along Old Ipaja Road in Lagos when a 40-foot container-laden truck suffered brake failure and crashed into a commercial minibus, resulting in the death of the driver and injuries to several others.
The incident, confirmed by Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), involved a Mack articulated truck with registration number MUS 729 XY. The truck, reportedly experiencing catastrophic brake failure, lost control and overturned, crushing a minibus popularly known as Korope in the process.
According to eyewitnesses, the impact was instantaneous and fatal for the Korope driver, who died on the spot while conveying passengers.
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In a swift emergency response, LASTMA personnel deployed in the area quickly mobilized to the scene, rescuing three passengers—two women and one man—who miraculously escaped unhurt. The survivors were immediately transferred to medical responders for precautionary evaluation.
The wreckage of the fallen truck significantly blocked traffic, occupying more than half of the arterial road and causing gridlock that extended to adjoining streets, including Shofunde and Olufunlayo. LASTMA officers initiated immediate traffic control measures and diversions to restore flow and ensure safety.
Teams from LASAMBUS, the Nigeria Police Force, and other emergency services collaborated to manage the aftermath, secure the area, and recover the deceased. The truck driver was taken into custody and handed over to officers from Elere and Area ‘G’ Police Commands for further investigation.
Speaking on the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, expressed sorrow over the tragic loss and offered heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family.
He used the occasion to reiterate the state’s position on heavy-duty vehicle safety, stressing that:
“Operators of articulated vehicles must prioritize roadworthiness. Brake systems must be checked thoroughly before hitting the road. Incidents like this are preventable and reflect the consequences of negligence.”
Hon. Giwa assured the public that the Lagos State Government remains committed to enforcing traffic safety regulations and enhancing emergency response systems to prevent such avoidable fatalities.
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Residents and road users were advised to report emergencies or seek traffic assistance by contacting LASTMA’s toll-free hotline: 0800-00-LASTMA.