A tragic accident occurred on Wednesday morning at Isheri Market near the OPIC bus stop along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when a container-laden truck lost control and rammed into the market area, killing one person and injuring several others.
According to eyewitness accounts, the truck, which was approaching from the Lagos end of the expressway, suddenly veered off the road as it neared the OPIC area.
“There was no traffic on the expressway. The driver tried to enter the estate but couldn’t stop—he had no brakes. That’s when he crashed into the market,” said a commercial motorcyclist who witnessed the incident.
He dismissed any claims that the driver was being chased: “No one was pursuing him; he was alone on the road,” he added.
The vehicle, in a desperate attempt to avoid the estate gate, swerved sharply to the right and ploughed through several market stalls, injuring traders and destroying goods. The truck reportedly struck two parked vehicles—a van and a Toyota Sienna—which helped absorb part of the impact and prevented even more casualties.
Among those affected was a local tea vendor who died instantly at the scene. A night security guard narrowly escaped death and shared his terrifying experience.
“I work as the security man here. Every morning, I sit with some of the traders before they open their stalls. I had just asked the tea seller to prepare tea for me. I only had one sip when I heard a loud crash,” he recounted emotionally.
“The truck pushed me and I fell. God saved me—I fell to the right side. If I had fallen to the left, I wouldn’t be alive. Sadly, the tea seller didn’t survive. He was the one who gave me the tea.”
While the exact number of injured persons has yet to be confirmed as of press time, emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, cordoning off the area and initiating rescue efforts.
Authorities confirmed that the truck driver was apprehended at the site and has been taken into custody by the Isheri Tactical Unit. Investigations are ongoing.
This incident has once again sparked outrage over the lax enforcement of safety regulations concerning heavy-duty vehicles in Nigeria. Concerned citizens and stakeholders are calling on the government to take decisive action.
“It’s heartbreaking that we keep losing innocent lives to preventable accidents. The government must enforce stricter checks on these trucks. Roadworthiness should not be compromised,” said a local community leader.
