Badagry Expressway Accident Leads to Five Fatalities

A tragic incident unfolded on the Badagry Expressway in Lagos during the early hours of Saturday, resulting in the death of five individuals. The fatal collision, involving a car and a truck, occurred near Mowo Bus Stop at a location known as Sawmill. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that it received an urgent call for assistance at approximately 5:16 am and promptly dispatched its Dolphin Team from the Igando base to the scene of the accident.

Upon their arrival, LASEMA operatives discovered a head-on crash between a Toyota Camry, registered as FKJ 630KS, and an Iveco truck bearing the registration number T28081 LA. According to a statement released on Saturday by Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, initial investigations indicated that the primary cause of the crash was excessive speed and reckless driving by the Toyota Camry's driver.

Oke-Osanyintolu's statement elaborated: “Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was caused by over-speeding and reckless driving on the part of the Toyota Camry driver. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, veered into the opposite lane and had a head-on collision with the oncoming Iveco truck.” The statement further confirmed that all five adult male occupants of the car succumbed to their injuries from the severe impact.

“Regrettably, the impact of the collision resulted in the death of five adult males who were occupants of the Toyota Camry. The remains of the victims were carefully recovered, bagged with dignity, and handed over to officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps for further necessary action,” the LASEMA statement added.

Responding agencies present at the site included the LASEMA Dolphin Team, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and police officers from the Morogbo Division. Two tow trucks were deployed to remove the wreckage from the expressway, with both vehicles subsequently moved to the Morogbo Police Division. Authorities confirmed that the road has since been cleared and reopened for traffic.

Oke-Osanyintolu extended his condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the repose of the victims' souls. He issued a strong appeal to motorists, urging them to avoid speeding, dangerous overtaking, and other hazardous driving practices, particularly during early morning hours, emphasizing that road safety is a collective responsibility. The permanent secretary reiterated LASEMA's commitment to swift emergency response and inter-agency cooperation, aligning with the Lagos State Government’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, which prioritizes the protection of lives and property for Lagos residents.