Four people have been critically injured in a devastating multiple-vehicle crash at First Gate, inward Mile 2, Lagos, involving a Mack truck, another truck, a commercial bus, and nine commercial motorcyclists. The incident, which occurred on a busy highway, was caused by suspected brake failure in the Mack truck, leading to a chain-reaction collision that left several vehicles damaged and road users injured. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the details after responding to the scene and initiating emergency operations.
The Mack truck, carrying a fully laden 40-foot container, lost control due to the brake malfunction, colliding violently with a second truck transporting a 20-foot container and a T4 commercial bus registered AAA 723 YF. Nine commercial motorcyclists, who were reportedly operating on a restricted highway, were also involved in the crash. Four victims—three males and one female—sustained critical injuries, including multiple fractures to arms and legs, requiring immediate medical intervention.
LASTMA operatives, conducting routine traffic management in the area, arrived promptly and began emergency rescue, traffic control, and incident management procedures. The injured were rescued from the wreckage and handed over to officers from the Roro Police Division for swift transportation to a nearby hospital. LASTMA also secured the accident scene and coordinated the removal of damaged vehicles and debris to restore normal traffic flow along the corridor.
The driver of the Mack truck was apprehended by LASTMA officials and later handed over to the police, alongside other drivers involved, for further investigation and possible prosecution. The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy for the injured victims and their families, wishing them a full and speedy recovery. He also raised concerns about the persistent use of commercial motorcycles on restricted highways, emphasizing their heightened vulnerability when sharing roads with heavy-duty vehicles.
Bakare-Oki urged all motorists, transport operators, and road users to exercise caution, strictly obey traffic laws, and ensure regular mechanical inspections of vehicles before hitting the road. He stressed that operators of articulated vehicles must pay special attention to braking systems, tyres, steering mechanisms, and other safety-critical components. “Mechanical roadworthiness is not merely a regulatory requirement; it is an indispensable safeguard for the preservation of human lives,” he said. He reiterated that compliance with traffic regulations remains vital in preventing avoidable crashes, especially on major transport corridors with high vehicular activity. This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement and greater public awareness to enhance road safety across Lagos.
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