Emmanuel lkpeama
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a devastating road traffic accident involving a heavily loaded 40-foot containerized articulated truck at Second Rainbow inward Oshodi, precisely along the service lane adjacent to the Police Tactical Team Station.
The unfortunate incident occurred after the driver reportedly lost control of the articulated truck while in transit, causing the massive vehicle to overturn violently onto a commercial mini shuttle bus before crashing into nearby roadside business outlets within the axis.
Preliminary findings revealed that the truck veered uncontrollably off its designated route, resulting in severe disruption and panic within the bustling commercial corridor.
Regrettably, a female Point of Sale (POS) operator conducting business under a roadside canopy sustained serious injuries to both legs during the tragic occurrence.
Investigator news reports that she was immediately rescued and rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment by officers of the Police Tactical Team stationed within the area.
In swift response to the emergency, operatives of LASTMA promptly arrived at the accident scene to manage traffic, secure the affected corridor and coordinate rescue and recovery efforts alongside security agencies and other emergency responders.
Meanwhile, the driver of the articulated truck was immediately apprehended by LASTMA officials and subsequently handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
To facilitate the restoration of normalcy, a recovery tow truck was deployed without delay to evacuate the overturned articulated vehicle and the damaged commercial mini bus, while officers from the Orile-Iganmu Division of the Nigeria Police Force commenced detailed documentation and preliminary investigations into the incident.
Despite the magnitude of the accident and the extensive structural and commercial damage recorded within the vicinity, vehicular movement around the corridor remained largely uninterrupted owing to the prompt intervention and effective traffic management measures instituted by LASTMA personnel.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reiterated the Authority’s consistent appeal to operators of articulated vehicles, logistics companies and fleet managers to ensure comprehensive mechanical inspections of heavy-duty trucks before embarking on operational movement, particularly with regard to braking systems and other critical safety components.
Bakare-Oki emphasized that negligence in vehicle maintenance remains a serious threat to human lives, public infrastructure and road safety administration across Lagos State, urging all transport stakeholders to embrace strict compliance with established safety regulations and operational discipline.