Brake-failed tanker smashes into Lagos shop: one dead, four rescued

One person has been confirmed dead and four others rescued following a tanker crash at Ekoro Junction, inward Abule-Egba, Lagos State on Friday evening, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed.

The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. when an empty MACK tanker, registration number EKY 900 XY, reportedly suffered a sudden brake failure. The vehicle lost control, rammed into a Toyota Corolla marked AAA 823 AY, and eventually crashed into a roadside shop, causing extensive structural damage.

LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the crash triggered panic among traders and pedestrians. Emergency responders quickly extricated four trapped individuals from the wreckage, while one person was pronounced dead at the scene.

The authority said its Rescue and Recovery Protocol was immediately activated, deploying specialised operatives to manage the situation, direct traffic, clear the wreckage, and prevent secondary accidents. Medical attention was provided to the injured.

The tanker driver reportedly fled the scene following the collision. Security operatives have launched efforts to apprehend the driver and commence legal proceedings. Nigeria Police Force officers from Ekoro Division maintained order, secured the accident perimeter, and assisted in investigations.

The crash caused severe traffic congestion along adjoining routes toward Abule-Egba, prompting LASTMA officials to implement diversion strategies and restore traffic flow.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased and urged transport operators, particularly drivers of heavy vehicles, to prioritise routine vehicle maintenance. “Preventable mechanical deficiencies remain a significant contributory factor in severe road traffic crashes,” he said.

He also called on motorists to exercise caution, obey traffic rules, and drive responsibly, especially in densely populated commercial areas. LASTMA confirmed that other emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, and Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, collaborated to coordinate rescue operations and ensure safety at the scene.