One person has died and four others rescued following a road accident at Ekoro Junction inward Abule-Egba in Lagos State late Friday evening, authorities confirmed.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said the crash occurred around 7:30 p.m., when an empty MACK tanker suddenly experienced brake failure and lost control, smashing into a Toyota Corolla before crashing into a nearby roadside shop.
The impact caused extensive damage to the shop and sparked panic among traders and pedestrians in the busy commercial area.
The force of the collision led to the immediate confirmation of one fatality at the scene, while four people trapped in the wreckage were extricated by coordinated rescue teams.
LASTMA activated its Rescue and Recovery Protocol, deploying specialised operatives who worked with other emergency responders to stabilise the scene, divert traffic, and manage the crowd to prevent further danger.
A heavy-duty tow truck was later brought in to remove the damaged tanker and clear debris, allowing normal traffic flow to resume.
Officials noted that the tanker driver fled the scene shortly after the crash.
Security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Ekoro Division have launched efforts to locate and arrest the driver as part of an ongoing investigation.
The crash also led to significant traffic congestion that spread toward Abule-Egba, prompting LASTMA officials to implement diversion strategies to ease the backlog.
LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased and emphasised the importance of routine vehicle maintenance, especially for heavy-duty and articulated vehicles.
He warned that mechanical failures, including brake issues, remain major contributors to road traffic crashes across the state.
He also urged motorists to obey traffic laws and exercise vigilance on the roads. Bakare-Oki assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway and that anyone found responsible for negligence will be held accountable under the law.
