Tragedy struck on Friday evening in Lagos after a tanker reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into a roadside shop at Ekoro Junction, inward Abule-Egba, leaving one person dead and four others rescued.
The incident, which occurred around 7:30 p.m., involved an empty MACK tanker with registration number EKY 900 XY. According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the vehicle lost control after a sudden mechanical failure, rammed into a Toyota Corolla with registration AAA 823 AY, and eventually ploughed into a shop, causing significant structural damage. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed that the impact created panic among traders, residents, and pedestrians in the busy commercial area.
Emergency responders were able to rescue four victims trapped in the wreckage, while one person was confirmed dead at the scene.
Authorities disclosed that the tanker driver fled immediately after the crash. Security operatives have since launched a manhunt to apprehend the suspect and initiate legal proceedings.
Officers of the Nigeria Police Force from the Ekoro Division were deployed to maintain order, secure the accident perimeter, and assist with preliminary investigations.
The accident triggered heavy traffic congestion along adjoining routes toward Abule-Egba, forcing traffic officials to implement diversion measures to restore normal vehicular movement.
LASTMA stated that its Rescue and Recovery Protocol was activated promptly, with specialised operatives deployed to manage traffic, clear debris, and prevent secondary accidents. The injured victims were also given immediate medical attention.
Other emergency agencies that participated in the rescue operation included the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the State Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, and the Environmental Health Monitoring Unit.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and emphasised the need for transport operators, particularly drivers of heavy-duty vehicles, to prioritise regular vehicle maintenance.
He warned that avoidable mechanical faults remain a major cause of fatal road crashes and urged motorists to obey traffic regulations and exercise caution, especially in densely populated commercial corridors.
