Emmanuel lkpeama
A fatal traffic collision occurred along Ikorodu Road, Lagos, in the early hours of today, involving a fully loaded 40-foot containerized Mack truck and a white Toyota Sienna minivan with registration number LSR 267 GZ.
The incident which happened at approximately 1:30 a.m. at Idi-Iroko, inbound Maryland saw LASTMA’s prompt response and skilled rescue operation saved the life of a male occupant trapped in the wreckage.
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.
Investigator news reports that 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 swiftly to distress calls. Upon arrival, 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 minivan 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.
Bakare emphasized the importance of regular vehicle inspections and adherence to traffic regulations to prevent such incidents.
He commended the bravery and professionalism of the rescue team and urged motorists to exercise caution, especially at night.
“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.
