The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a serious road traffic incident that occurred in the early hours of Friday at Oja Junction, along the main carriageway by Offin Canal inward Eko Bridge, involving a container-laden truck and a Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) operative.
A statement issued on Friday by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, said the victim, identified as Mr. Baba Ibeji, was carrying out his refuse evacuation duties when the articulated truck knocked him down. According to LASTMA, preliminary investigations revealed that the truck, said to be travelling at excessive speed, suffered brake failure while descending the CMS Bridge linking Offin Canal to Eko Bridge, leading to a loss of control.
The out-of-control truck reportedly knocked down the LAWMA worker before crashing into a Toyota Camry with registration number FST 417 FS, compounding the severity of the accident.
LASTMA officials stationed in the area swiftly mobilised to the scene and carried out a rescue operation. The agency said its operatives successfully extricated the injured LAWMA worker from beneath the truck, preventing what could have resulted in a fatality.
The victim was initially taken to a nearby private hospital but was referred to the General Hospital for further medical attention due to the severity of his injuries.
However, the truck driver fled the scene immediately after the crash.
The statement further said LASTMA officials apprehended the truck assistant, who was subsequently handed over to security personnel led by the Divisional Traffic Officer of the Ebute-Ero Police Division for further investigation.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, condemned the reckless driving that led to the crash and directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, with a view to possible prosecution in line with existing laws.
Giwa also commended LASTMA personnel and other emergency responders for their prompt intervention, extended sympathy to the injured worker and his family, and reiterated the state government’s zero tolerance for reckless driving, particularly by operators of heavy-duty vehicles. LASTMA urged motorists, especially truck and trailer drivers, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and adhere strictly to speed limits to prevent avoidable tragedies.
