Three students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, lost their lives in a tragic multi-vehicle crash that occurred on Friday morning at Powerline Junction, before Aleje, along the inward Ikorodu Roundabout route in Lagos.
The devastating accident, which threw the entire Ikorodu community into mourning, involved a sand-laden tipper truck (without registration number), a Toyota Corolla (SMK 42 AJ), a commercial bus, and four tricycles.
According to preliminary findings by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the tipper was reportedly speeding when its brakes failed, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle rammed into other vehicles and tricycles, resulting in multiple casualties.
Three LASUSTECH students — two males and one female — were confirmed dead on the spot, while seven others, including tricycle riders and passengers, sustained serious injuries.
LASTMA operatives arrived swiftly to manage the situation and prevent further accidents. They were assisted by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from Odongunyan Division and police officers from the Shagamu Division.
The injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care, while the bodies of the deceased students were deposited at the Ikorodu General Hospital mortuary. Damaged vehicles were later cleared by LASTMA officers to ease the heavy traffic that built up after the incident.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the accident as “tragic and avoidable,” attributing it to reckless speeding and poor vehicle maintenance.
“This unfortunate incident highlights the need for all commercial and heavy-duty vehicle drivers to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles and adhere strictly to speed regulations,” he said.
Bakare-Oki also appealed to transport operators to conduct routine mechanical checks and comply with traffic laws to prevent further loss of lives on Lagos roads. He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to strengthening road safety enforcement, promoting traffic discipline, and providing swift emergency responses across the state.
