A horrifying road accident has thrown the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, into mourning after a sand-laden truck lost control and crushed several students along the Powerline Junction by the Ikorodu Roundabout on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Eyewitnesses reported that the unregistered truck, fully loaded with sand, suffered a brake failure while descending the hilly section of the road before ramming into multiple vehicles and tricycles. The collision resulted in the death of three LASUSTECH students—two males and one female—on the spot, while seven others sustained severe injuries.
Chaos and Emergency Response
The accident caused panic and confusion in the area as residents, motorists, and students rushed to assist victims trapped under the wreckage. Traffic officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force responded swiftly to the scene, working together to rescue survivors and restore order.
The crash involved an unregistered tipper truck, a Toyota Corolla (registration number SMK 42 AJ), a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) bus, and four commercial tricycles. The impact left several vehicles badly damaged and caused a heavy traffic gridlock stretching several kilometres along the busy route.
The deceased students were immediately taken to the Ikorodu General Hospital mortuary, while the injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.
LASTMA Reacts
Confirming the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the crash as “deeply regrettable and entirely preventable.” He attributed the tragedy to overspeeding, mechanical failure, and the growing negligence of commercial truck drivers operating on Lagos roads without proper maintenance checks.
“This heartbreaking event underscores the recklessness of some truck operators who neglect vehicle safety and endanger innocent lives. We are working closely with security agencies to identify the owner of the unregistered vehicle and ensure justice is served,” Bakare-Oki said.
He further urged transport unions and haulage companies to prioritize the safety of their vehicles, stressing that the state government will intensify efforts to enforce stricter safety and roadworthiness regulations, especially for heavy-duty trucks plying the Ikorodu axis.
University and Community in Mourning
The LASUSTECH campus community has been thrown into deep sorrow following the sudden death of the students. Fellow undergraduates have taken to social media to express grief and outrage, demanding urgent government intervention to improve road safety measures along the Ikorodu corridor—a major route frequently used by students commuting to and from the campus.
Many students also called for the installation of speed breakers, better road signage, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to curb the recurring menace of truck-related accidents in the area.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
Residents and stakeholders across Lagos have renewed their calls for comprehensive reform of the state’s transportation safety system. They urged the government to intensify inspection of heavy-duty vehicles, introduce advanced braking system standards, and ensure drivers undergo proper certification before operating on public roads.
This latest tragedy adds to the growing number of fatal road accidents involving commercial trucks in Lagos this year alone. It also highlights persistent challenges such as poor vehicle maintenance, weak enforcement, and the alarming disregard for speed limits by some truck drivers.
Conclusion
As investigations continue into the cause of the crash and the identity of the truck’s owner, questions linger about how many more innocent lives must be lost before decisive action is taken. For the LASUSTECH community, the painful loss of its students is a sobering reminder of the urgent need to make Lagos roads safer for everyone—before another preventable tragedy strikes again.
