At approximately 1:30 a.m. in the early hours of today, a catastrophic traffic collision occurred along the main carriageway at Idi-Iroko, inbound Maryland on Ikorodu Road, Lagos.
The incident involved a fully loaded 40-foot containerized Mack truck and a white Toyota Sienna minivan bearing registration number LSR 267 GZ.
According to preliminary assessments conducted by security personnel—who were urgently summoned to the scene by operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA)—the articulated truck suffered a critical mechanical failure, specifically brake malfunction, believed to have been precipitated by excessive speed. This malfunction caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to the truck’s container detaching and toppling violently onto the Sienna, which was crushed entirely beneath its massive weight.
Acting with commendable dispatch, the LASTMA midnight surveillance and rescue unit responded s,,, wiftly to distress calls. Upon arri, mval, officers employed an array of high-grade rescue apparatus and executed a painstaking extraction operation.
Their valiant and highly synchronized efforts led to the miraculous rescue of a male occupant who had been pinned within the wreckage of the mini van and was treated by Operatives of LASAMBUS
Tragically, the driver of the container-laden truck fled the scene, apparently gripped by panic and under the erroneous belief that the occupants of the vehicle had not survived—possibly fearing mob retribution or criminal prosecution.
Following the rescue operation, the mangled Sienna was towed to the Anthony Police Station yard, while the truck and its dislodged container were impounded and transferred to the LASTMA operational headquarters for further investigation and administrative action.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep gratitude that a life was salvaged through the extraordinary bravery and professionalism exhibited by the Agency’s response team.
He emphasized the indispensable necessity of routine vehicular inspections, particularly for articulated trucks and heavy-duty vehicles, and sternly admonished fleet operators and drivers to ascertain the roadworthiness of their vehicles prior to embarking on any transit, especially within urban corridors.
"This deeply distressing incident highlights, yet again, the perilous consequences of mechanical laxity, reckless driving, and habitual speeding on our thoroughfares. We therefore issue an urgent appeal to all truck operators to uphold the highest safety standards and adhere strictly to extant traffic regulations to forestall further avoidable disasters."
While wishing the rescued individual a speedy and full recovery, Mr. Bakare-Oki also commended the unwavering resolve and dedication of the rescue teams, whose efforts from 1:00 a.m. until 4:00 a.m. were instrumental in restoring order and ensuring the unhindered resumption of vehicular movement within the affected area.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reaffirms its steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining traffic integrity across the metropolis. The Agency continues to call on all motorists to exercise heightened caution and a sense of civic responsibility, particularly during nocturnal hours when risks are often magnified.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA
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