The Lagos State Government has shared its deep sorrow following a heartbreaking road accident at the Badagry Roundabout on Monday, February 23, 2026, which claimed the lives of a dedicated LASTMA officer and two others.
In an official update, LASTMA confirmed that the tragedy involved a heavily loaded SHACMAN truck from the Dangote Group. Early investigations suggest the vehicle’s brakes failed while it was traveling at high speed, leaving the driver unable to stop.
The out-of-control truck first hit a LASTMA officer who was actively directing traffic at the roundabout, along with a nearby pedestrian, before careening another 200 meters and striking a third person. Tragically, all three sustained injuries they could not survive. While the driver initially fled the scene, he was eventually tracked down by LASTMA personnel and handed over to the police.
A joint team of emergency responders from LASTMA, the police, the FRSC, and the Civil Defence Corps rushed to the site to provide aid. The victims were moved to a nearby hospital, but medical professionals sadly confirmed that they had already passed away.
Reflecting on the tragedy, LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki spoke of the “devastating” impact of the loss, noting that the fallen officer was taken while performing his duty to keep others safe.
He pointed out that this incident is a somber reminder of the daily risks traffic officials face and called for a serious rethink of safety standards within the haulage and logistics industry.
Bakare-Oki emphasized that mechanical issues, especially neglected braking systems, continue to be a leading factor in the fatal accidents seen on the streets of Lagos.
The truck involved has been seized and moved to the Badagry Police Division, where experts will conduct a thorough forensic investigation into the cause of the failure.
LASTMA has pledged to work closely with other agencies to ensure justice is served and to prevent such a nightmare from happening again, as the Lagos State Government vowed to double down on vehicle inspections and public safety education.