One killed in Lagos crash as LASTMA issues stern warning to truck drivers
A traffic accident involving a fully laden Mercedes-Benz six-tyre truck has resulted in one fatality in Lagos. The truck, registered as ABJ 37 AC, overturned near the TREM axis in Gbagada, while traveling toward Oshodi early Sunday morning.
In the wake of the incident, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a warning to motorists regarding the dangers of speeding. According to LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki, preliminary investigations revealed that the truck was carrying various items, including sealed bags and newly branded event chairs, when its front tire burst, leading the driver to lose control.
An elderly male passenger, seated in the front cabin, was thrown from the vehicle and suffered a fatal head injury upon colliding with a sharp object, Bakare-Oki reported.
LASTMA’s night rescue team, which was conducting surveillance across major traffic routes, arrived at the scene promptly. Officers cordoned off the area to facilitate emergency response operations and evacuated the deceased to a Lagos State Emergency Medical Services (SEHMU) ambulance, minimizing further risk to other motorists.
The intervention also involved personnel from the Pedro Police Division, who provided essential security support, as well as members of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, who assisted with the emergency response.
Due to the truck’s significant cargo load, immediate recovery of the overturned vehicle was not feasible. LASTMA officials stated that plans were made to transfer the cargo to another vehicle before the truck could be fully recovered.
Bakare-Oki condemned speeding as a hazardous behavior that severely reduces a driver’s reaction time and stability of the vehicle, thereby escalating the severity of traffic incidents, especially during mechanical failures. He expressed concern that the accident’s consequences might have been less severe had the truck been traveling at a controlled speed.
To enhance road safety, Bakare-Oki urged operators of heavy-duty vehicles, commercial transporters, and all motorists to adopt responsible driving practices, particularly during the ember months. He emphasized the importance of regular mechanical checks and vigilant attention to tire conditions and braking systems before embarking on journeys. Additionally, he advised drivers to maintain composure and proper vehicle control in the event of sudden mechanical issues, highlighting the difference between manageable problems and potential tragedies.
