Speeding Tipper Crashes Into Tanker, Injures Two
Atume Terfa
Panic and commotion gripped motorists at Berger Bridge, along the Epe–Ibeju Lekki Expressway, on Tuesday morning after a speeding tipper truck rammed into a broken-down LPG tanker and another articulated truck, leaving two people severely injured.
According to eyewitnesses, the tragedy unfolded when a tanker with registration number MKA-232ZE, loaded with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), developed a mechanical fault and stalled in the middle of the road. As mechanics and bystanders attempted to fix the issue, a granite-laden tipper reportedly lost control — allegedly due to overspeeding — and plowed into the stationary vehicles, sparking panic among onlookers.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) swiftly arrived at the scene to rescue the tipper’s driver and his assistant, both of whom sustained severe injuries. The victims were stabilised on-site before being transported to Epe General Hospital for further medical attention.
Officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) led the coordinated rescue effort alongside personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Confirming the incident, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, described the collision as a “secondary incident” resulting from the tanker’s earlier breakdown. He emphasised that preliminary investigations point to excessive speeding and loss of vehicle control as the major causes.
“The tipper was approaching at high speed and could not brake in time to avoid the stationary vehicles. Thankfully, no lives were lost,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
The crash caused heavy traffic congestion on the busy corridor as recovery operations commenced. Cranes were deployed to remove the wreckage, while safety officers worked to prevent possible fuel leakage from the tanker.
Authorities have since urged motorists plying the Epe–Ibeju Lekki axis to exercise caution and obey speed limits, particularly around construction zones and road diversions.
As of press time, traffic had eased slightly, but the affected stretch remained under partial closure pending full clearance by emergency teams.
