In a dramatic turn of events, a driver narrowly escaped death on Thursday afternoon when a 40-foot container truck overturned in the Mile 2 area of Lagos State. The incident, which occurred around 5 PM, has sparked renewed discussions about road safety and the need for caution among heavy vehicle operators.
According to Adebayo Taofiq, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the accident involved a fully loaded truck that lost control while attempting to maneuver at high speed. The truck's container fell dangerously close to a black Toyota Jeep, registered with the number plate AAA 144 GU, which was also traveling in the area. Fortunately, the driver of the Jeep managed to escape without injury, despite the close call with the falling container.
Taofiq provided further details about the incident, highlighting the severity of the situation. “The truck driver sustained severe injuries and was promptly rescued by officers from LASTMA. He was immediately transported to Apapa General Hospital for urgent medical attention,” he explained. “The driver of the Toyota Jeep is fortunate to have emerged unscathed, given how close he was to being crushed by the overturned container.”
The incident has raised alarms regarding the safety measures in place for truck drivers and the general public. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the General Manager of LASTMA, expressed his sympathies for the injured truck driver and emphasized the importance of safety on the roads, particularly for those transporting heavy loads. “We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the injured truck driver and wish him a speedy recovery,” Bakare-Oki stated through Taofiq. He urged truck drivers to exercise greater caution and reminded all road users of the critical importance of adhering to traffic laws.
“LASTMA remains steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding all road users, and we will continue to enforce traffic regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future,” Taofiq concluded.
Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene, including officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the police, who coordinated efforts to ensure safety and manage the aftermath of the accident.
This incident is not isolated, as traffic-related accidents continue to plague Lagos, often resulting in tragic outcomes. On September 27 a separate fatal accident in the CMS area involved a minibus colliding with a truck, resulting in the death of the truck driver, who had stopped due to a mechanical issue. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for improved safety protocols and heightened awareness among drivers on Lagos roads.
As the community reflects on this latest incident, there is a palpable sense of urgency for better traffic management and safety enforcement measures to prevent further accidents and protect lives on the bustling streets of Lagos
