NIGERIA, Lagos — At least five people sustained injuries on Thursday in a serious road accident where a tanker and a commercial bus collided at Toyota Bus Stop, inward Oshodi, in Lagos State. The incident caused panic and temporarily disrupted traffic along the busy route.
The crash, which occurred near The Guardian newspaper headquarters, involved a PMS-laden fuel tanker with registration number T28128LA and a commercial Volkswagen T4 bus bearing the plate GGE 526 YG.
According to an official statement released on Friday by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), preliminary findings suggest that the tanker experienced a brake failure while at high speed, crashing directly into the passenger-loaded bus.
Immediate Response After Tanker and Bus Collide in Lagos
Upon notification of the tanker bus collision, LASTMA officers immediately sprang into action, launching what the agency described as an “urgent, precise and seamlessly coordinated rescue operation.”
The rescue team successfully evacuated five victims from the wreckage — three women and two men, including the driver of the bus. One of the victims was rushed to a nearby hospital by a good Samaritan, while the others were transported to local medical facilities by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency’s Rescue Unit (LASEMA).
The Director of LASTMA’s Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the details in a statement, citing Oloto Police Division’s preliminary report which attributed the accident to a sudden brake failure on the tanker.
Witnesses at the scene described moments of fear and confusion. “The tanker just lost control. We saw it coming fast, and before anyone could react, it slammed into the bus,” said a roadside vendor who witnessed the collision.
The bus, fully loaded with passengers, was reportedly heading toward Oshodi when the accident occurred. The impact left the front of the bus crushed and several passengers screaming for help.
Thanks to the prompt arrival of emergency responders, more serious fatalities were likely prevented.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bakare-Oki, extended sympathy to the victims and wished them a full recovery. He used the incident to highlight the dangers of reckless driving and mechanical negligence, particularly among operators of heavy-duty vehicles.
“This unfortunate incident is yet another reminder of the consequences of brazen disregard for statutory speed limits, which are clearly marked along Lagos highways,” said Bakare-Oki.
He emphasized that proper vehicle maintenance, especially regarding braking systems, could have averted the tragedy.
“Operators of articulated and heavy-duty vehicles, especially tanker drivers, must ensure their vehicles are kept in perfect mechanical condition,” he said. “Brake integrity is non-negotiable when it comes to public safety.”
In the wake of the accident, officials are renewing calls for driver education and regulation reforms. Bakare-Oki urged tanker and truck owners to implement continuous training and re-training programs for drivers.
He insisted that the sanctity of human life must be the top priority in all road transport activities.
“There is a growing need for fleet operators to institutionalize driver certification processes and perform regular checks on their vehicles. We must take proactive steps to avoid needless loss of lives on our roads,” Bakare-Oki said.
He also noted that LASTMA would continue its efforts to monitor traffic behavior, educate motorists, and enforce compliance with speed regulations.
This accident adds to a growing list of tanker-related collisions in Lagos, many of which have resulted in serious injuries, loss of lives, and property damage. Experts say the combination of poor vehicle maintenance, driver fatigue, and overspeeding remains a persistent threat on Nigerian roads.
The Toyota Bus Stop axis, in particular, is a known high-traffic zone and has witnessed multiple accidents in the past involving heavy-duty vehicles and passenger buses.
As investigations continue, LASTMA has urged all road users to exercise caution, especially in high-density areas. Motorists are advised to adhere strictly to speed limits, perform routine vehicle checks, and avoid reckless driving.
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to making road safety a priority and preventing tragic incidents like the tanker bus collide accident from recurring.
Source- Punchng
