Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A commercial bus driver lost his life in a multiple‑vehicle collision at Cele inward Oshodi on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has confirmed. The accident, which occurred earlier today, involved a commercial mini bus, popularly known as Korokpe, and a Toyota Tundra pickup truck with registration number EPE 554 YC, according to a press release issued by LASTMA.
Preliminary investigations conducted by security personnel at the scene revealed that the driver of the commercial mini bus sustained grievous injuries and died instantly due to the devastating impact of the collision. LASTMA operatives, who were on routine traffic monitoring and surveillance duties within the corridor, swiftly mobilised to the scene to coordinate emergency response efforts, secure the accident site, manage traffic flow and prevent further obstruction along the heavily trafficked route.
In concert with officers of the Nigeria Police Force from the Cele‑Ijesha Division, the remains of the deceased driver were respectfully recovered and subsequently released to his family members residing within the locality. As part of concerted efforts to restore normalcy and guarantee public safety, LASTMA personnel promptly evacuated the wreckage and all accident‑involved vehicles from the roadway. The vehicles were thereafter handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for exhaustive investigation into both the immediate and remote causes of the crash, with a view to determining liability and facilitating any necessary legal proceedings.
Notwithstanding the significant disruption occasioned by the incident, the prompt intervention of LASTMA officers, coupled with the deployment of effective traffic management strategies, ensured the expeditious restoration of free vehicular movement along the affected corridor. The General Manager of LASTMA conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and admonished motorists, particularly commercial transport operators, to exercise heightened caution, maintain unwavering compliance with extant traffic regulations and cultivate a culture of responsible driving at all times.
The Cele inward Oshodi corridor is one of Lagos State’s busiest traffic arteries, connecting the densely populated suburbs of Oshodi to the Apapa‑Oshodi expressway and onward to other parts of the metropolis. The area is known for high vehicular density, mixed traffic flows, and frequent incidents involving commercial buses, which are the primary mode of public transportation for millions of Lagos residents. This latest fatality highlights the ongoing challenges of road safety in the megacity, where speed violations, poor vehicle maintenance and driver fatigue have contributed to a high rate of traffic deaths.
According to data from the Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State recorded 714 road traffic crashes in 2025, resulting in 476 deaths and over 2,000 injuries. Commercial vehicles, including mini buses and danfo, were involved in approximately 38 per cent of those crashes. The FRSC has repeatedly warned that many commercial drivers operate vehicles that are not roadworthy and often exceed speed limits to maximise daily revenue, a practice that puts all road users at risk.
LASTMA, which is responsible for traffic management and enforcement in Lagos, has in recent months increased its surveillance and rapid response capabilities, including deploying more personnel to accident blackspots and improving coordination with police and emergency medical services. The agency has also launched public awareness campaigns urging motorists to obey traffic rules, avoid overloading, and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The General Manager’s admonition to commercial transport operators reflects a growing concern within the Lagos State Government about the safety culture within the public transport sector. The government has introduced several measures to improve safety, including mandatory vehicle inspection programmes, driver training initiatives, and the phasing out of unsafe buses. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and many operators continue to flout regulations with impunity.
The Toyota Tundra pickup truck involved in the crash has been impounded by the police for technical examination. A police source at the Cele‑Ijesha Division confirmed that the driver of the pickup was assisting investigators and that a full investigation, including speed analysis and witness statements, was underway. No arrests had been made as at the time of this report, and the police declined to disclose the identity of the deceased bus driver pending formal notification of all next of kin.
Family members who received the remains of the deceased from the police and LASTMA officials described him as the sole breadwinner of his family, leaving behind a widow and three children. A relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, appealed to the government to ensure that the investigation into the crash is thorough and that any party found responsible is made to face the law.
The crash caused significant gridlock along the Cele inward Oshodi corridor for several hours, with traffic backing up as far as Oshodi bridge and Mafoluku areas. LASTMA operatives worked to divert vehicles, while recovery teams removed the mangled wreckage of the mini bus. By late afternoon, normal traffic flow had been restored, according to the agency’s public affairs unit.
The Lagos State Government has yet to issue a formal statement beyond the LASTMA press release. However, the Ministry of Transportation has been urged by civil society groups to redouble efforts on road safety enforcement, particularly against commercial operators who routinely violate traffic laws. The fatal crash at Cele inward Oshodi serves as yet another painful reminder that for every statistic on road traffic deaths, there is a family left behind, a driver who did not return home, and a journey that never reached its destination.
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