The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority says a tricycle operator died in an auto crash involving four vehicles at Ekoro Junction, in the Abule-Egba area of Lagos State.

In a statement on Wednesday, LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq stated that two people were also seriously injured in the accident, caused by a mechanical brake failure involving one of the vehicles.

Mr Adebayo said, “In a harrowing and deeply lamentable road catastrophe that unfolded at Ekoro Junction inward Ile-iwe, a tricycle operator tragically lost his life on the spot, while two other individuals (male and female) sustained grievous bodily injuries following a multi-vehicle collision involving a six-tyre trailer (AGL 514 XD), a Honda Pilot (FST 992 DV), a Toyota Camry (EKY 753 JA), and an unregistered tricycle.”

He said findings indicated that a fully loaded trailer developed a brake failure and “crushed the tricycle beyond recognition before colliding with a Honda Pilot and eventually vaulting over the median to smash into a Toyota Camry and adjacent property in the opposing lane.”

Mr Adebayo said LASTMA officials rescued two trapped victims, and the accident scene was cordoned off to enhance seamless emergency operation and prevent another accident.

He stated that LASTMA officials also notified the police and the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SHEMU) before operatives from the Ile-Epo Police Division conveyed the deceased and the two critically injured survivors to the General Hospital, Ile-Epo, for urgent medical attention and proper procedural documentation.

“During the extensive rescue and evacuation efforts, LASTMA operatives professionally rerouted vehicular flow through Iyana-Meran via Ajasa Command, thereby easing congestion and sustaining vehicular orderliness along the corridor.

“The thoroughfare was subsequently reopened to traffic after the mangled vehicles and the trailer were successfully evacuated to the Ile-Epo Police Station for further investigation,” he added.

LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki described the incident as tragic and preventable through adherence to statutory speed limits and regular maintenance of braking systems.

He urged motorists to exercise utmost caution, ensure frequent mechanical inspections, and observe all safety protocols.