Our reporter
A fatal accident involving a 40-foot container-laden truck resulted in the death of one individual and left five others seriously injured on the Mile 2-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos on Saturday, 5 April. The horrific incident, which occurred near the Cele Bus Stop corridor inward Oshodi, also saw seven vehicles – comprising five commercial buses and two private cars – crushed under the weight of dislodged containers.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in an official statement, attributing the cause to reckless driving and mechanical failure. The truck, reportedly conveying two massive containers, suffered a brake failure while travelling at excessive speed, causing the driver to lose control. As a result, the containers toppled, landing on the unsuspecting vehicles trapped beneath.
According to LASTMA’s spokesperson, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, a preliminary investigation revealed that the truck driver’s negligence was a significant factor in the crash. “The articulated truck, while descending the slope inward Oshodi, lost control due to brake failure exacerbated by overspeeding, resulting in the tragic dislodgement of the containers,” he stated.
One person was confirmed dead on the scene. Among the injured was a commercial bus driver, who sustained multiple compound fractures in both arms and legs. The other four victims, with varying degrees of injuries, were swiftly evacuated by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) to the Isolo General Hospital, where they are currently receiving comprehensive medical attention.
In a coordinated emergency response effort, officials from LASTMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and concerned members of the public worked together to rescue the trapped victims and clear the affected section of the expressway. The Ijesa Police Division also provided critical support to maintain order and ensure the safety of the rescue personnel during the operation.
Commending the swift intervention of the responding agencies, Mr. Taofiq noted: “Officers of LASTMA responded with commendable alacrity, orchestrating an efficient rescue operation, in concert with LASEMA, FRSC, and sympathetic members of the public.”
Reacting to the tragedy, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He issued a stern warning to drivers of articulated vehicles, particularly those conveying containerised goods, urging them to prioritise routine mechanical checks – especially their braking systems – before embarking on journeys.
“The importance of adhering to road safety regulations cannot be overstated. We urge all motorists to strictly observe posted speed limits and comply with all traffic laws designed to protect lives and property on our public roads,” Mr. Bakare-Oki said.
He assured the public that a full investigation into the cause of the accident was already underway, with the aim of identifying all liable parties and preventing a recurrence of such avoidable disasters.
Members of the public were reminded to report traffic emergencies, breakdowns, or road safety concerns via LASTMA’s toll-free hotline: 0800 005 27862.
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