A serious crash on the Lagos Abeokuta Expressway around Tipper Garage claimed two lives and injured nine others on Monday evening. The unfortunate incident, involving a parked truck and two passenger vehicles, has once again highlighted concerns over roadside safety on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.

Tragedy Unfolded on Lagos Abeokuta Expressway

According to Mr. Adekunle Ajibade, South-West Area Commander of TRACE (Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps), the collision occurred just before 7:45 p.m. when a DAF truck, registration number JJJ 144 XD, rolled into traffic after its handbrake gave way as per reports from Daily Post

The truck had been parked uphill at the entrance to a warehouse opposite Tipper Garage with its engine still running. Ajibade stated the driver had exited to deliver a waybill to security personnel when the brake disengaged, causing the vehicle to roll backward onto the expressway.

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In its path were a Mazda bus (EPE 394 XP) and a tricycle (DGB 599 VC), carrying a total of 14 people. The impact was swift and devastating.

Victims Taken to Hospital

TRACE confirmed that two travelers lost their lives instantly, while nine others sustained various injuries. Three occupants escaped unharmed. Both the deceased and injured have been taken to Ifo General Hospital for medical care

“The survivors are stable and receiving prompt attention,” Ajibade assured, while rescuers from TRACE and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) cleared the site to restore smooth traffic flow.

Cautions from Traffic Authorities

Ajibade commended the swift collaboration between TRACE and FRSC personnel that prevented a secondary crash at the scene. He used the opportunity to urge motorists to practice safer driving habits—specifically to observe speed limits and avoid hazardous roadside parking.

Drivers are advised to:

• Always set the parking brake securely

• Turn off the engine when parked on slopes

• Park only at designated stops

Past Calamities on the Same Route

This tragedy echoes a similar tragedy in February 2024 when nine individuals died and seven others were injured after a speeding truck collided with a Mazda bus at the Kere Bridge junction on this same expressway. That accident was attributed to speeding and route violations,

According to Daily Post, the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway handles over 250,000 vehicles daily and is being rehabilitated in phases by FG under FERMA and LAMATA projects. However, incidents like this highlight the urgent need for improved roadside infrastructure and stricter compliance by all road users.

Ajibade on Safety Precautions

As the injured continue to recover, traffic authorities have stepped up patrols and enforced new directives to prevent similar crashes. Ajibade emphasized:

“This horrific crash should remind everyone that simple safety mistakes cost lives.”

Road safety specialists say that with proper maintenance and adherence to best practices, such tragedies can be significantly reduced.