Five killed in early morning crash

By Obaloluwa Darasimi

Five people, on Saturday,  lost their lives to an early morning accident in Lagos.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency received a distress call at 5:16 am and immediately activated its Dolphin Team from Igando Base.

Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that the accident was the result of a fatal collision between a Toyota Camry with registration number FKJ 630KS and an Iveco truck with registration number T28081 LA.

It was gathered that LASEMA, in collaboration with other emergency responders, swiftly mobilised to the scene of the accident at Sawmill, by Mowo Bus Stop, along the Badagry Expressway, where five adult males, who were occupants of the Toyota Camry, were already dead.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was caused by over-speeding and reckless driving on the part of the Toyota Camry driver. 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, FRSC, for further necessary action,” the statement said.

LASEMA boss further revealed that the multi-agency response team at the scene comprised LASEMA Dolphin Team, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, FRSC and officers of the Nigeria Police Force from Morogbo Division.

In a bid to restore normalcy and ensure the free flow of traffic, it was gathered that two tow trucks were deployed to evacuate the accidented vehicles from the expressway.

“The recovery operation was successfully concluded, and the vehicles were taken to Morogbo Police Division. The road has since been cleared and fully reopened to vehicular movement,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

The Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, while commiserating with the families of the deceased, prayed for the repose of their souls.

He also urged all motorists to desist from over-speeding, wrongful overtaking and other dangerous driving practices, especially during early morning hours.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility and adherence to traffic regulations remains critical to saving lives on Lagos roads.

“LASEMA reaffirms its commitment to prompt emergency response and inter-agency collaboration in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the Lagos State Government, aimed at protecting the lives and property of residents,” Oke –Osayintolu concluded.