The Lagos state government has extended its deepest sympathy to the victims and families affected by the road traffic accident that occurred at Abule Osun inward Iyana Iba along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

The Lagos state commissioner for transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Mr Osiyemi noted that the accident occurred at approximately 23:07hrs on Tuesday.

“This heartbreaking incident claimed the lives of nine individuals, including children, and left two others critically injured.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the accident was caused when a Toyota Sienna bus, transporting passengers collided with a stationary SHACMAN truck loaded with granite leading to the devastating collision,” he said.

Mr Osiyemi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured victims a swift recovery.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this terrible tragedy. We are resolute in our commitment to ensuring safer roads throughout the state,” he said.

The commissioner also highlighted the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL) 2018, citing the urgent need for all road users to adhere to safety regulations.

He referenced Section 51 of the TSRL which stated that; a person who drives a vehicle on a highway recklessly or negligently or at a speed above stipulated limit commits an offence and was liable on conviction to fine or imprisonment.

“Moving forward, negligence, especially concerning immobile trucks will incur penalties, including vehicle forfeiture,” he said.

The commissioner assured that the ministry would continue to collaborate with agencies such as the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Nigerian Police Force to prevent future tragedies.

He also called on road users to prioritise safety and strictly adhere to traffic regulations.

 (NAN)