Tragedy struck on Monday, February 23, 2026, when a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer and two pedestrians lost their lives in a fatal crash at the Badagry Roundabout inward Seme, Lagos, following a brake failure involving a truck.
The accident, which sent shockwaves through the Badagry community, has once again drawn attention to the recurring crashes along the busy corridor. The incident involved a fully loaded SHACMAN truck reportedly owned by the Dangote Group.
Preliminary reports indicate that the truck suffered a catastrophic brake failure while moving at high speed. The driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle, crushing a LASTMA officer who was on duty regulating traffic at the roundabout, along with a pedestrian nearby. The truck continued uncontrollably and struck another individual before finally coming to a halt about 200 metres from the initial point of impact.
The driver fled the scene immediately after the crash but was later apprehended by other LASTMA officials and handed over to the police for further investigation.
Emergency responders, including personnel of LASTMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and residents, swiftly mobilised to the scene in an attempt to rescue the victims. The injured were transported to the General Hospital in Badagry, where they were confirmed dead.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He described the fallen officer as a committed and courageous public servant who died in the line of duty while working to maintain order and safety on Lagos roads.
He emphasized the urgent need for haulage and logistics companies to prioritise regular vehicle maintenance, particularly brake systems, to prevent similar tragedies. According to him, mechanical failures can have devastating consequences and must be addressed proactively.
The truck involved in the crash has been impounded and handed over to the police in Badagry for forensic examination. Authorities have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted and that appropriate legal steps will be taken.
The incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards, improved vehicle inspections, and enhanced monitoring of heavy-duty trucks operating across Lagos highways, as the state government reiterates its commitment to strengthening road safety measures and emergency response systems.
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