The driver of a container-laden truck was apprehended while trying to escape after an accident that claimed one life on Sunday along the Agbotikuyo stretch of Old Ipaja Road in Lagos State.
According to a statement from Adebayo Taofiq, spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, PUNCH Metro gathered that the accident happened when the container-laden truck lost its brakes and collided with a minibus.
The collision reportedly resulted in the immediate death of the minibus driver, while three other passengers survived without injuries.
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He stated, “The catastrophic collision involved a fully-laden 40-foot Mack containerised truck (MUS 729 XY), which, reportedly due to catastrophic brake failure, toppled onto a commercial minibus — colloquially referred to as ‘Korope’.
“Tragically, the devastating impact led to the instantaneous death of the minibus driver, whose life was abruptly cut short in the line of duty.
“In a remarkable display of courage and promptitude, LASTMA Officers deployed along the corridor swiftly mobilised and rescued three passengers — two females and one male — unhurt but were immediately handed over to medical emergency responders for clinical attention.”
He explained that the accident caused a traffic buildup, and the truck driver tried to escape the scene but was swiftly apprehended by vigilant LASTMA officers.
Taofiq continued, “It is worth noting that the truck driver, in a failed attempt to abscond from the scene, was apprehended by vigilant LASTMA Officers and promptly transferred to security personnel from both the Elere and Area ‘G’ Police Divisions, who had been duly notified by LASTMA officials.”
In response to the incident, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, extended his condolences to the family of the deceased.
He cautioned drivers of articulated vehicles to ensure proper vigilance and conduct thorough mechanical checks before setting out on any road trip.
Giwa stated, “Truck operators must adhere strictly to safety protocols. It is non-negotiable that every articulated vehicle undergoes a thorough mechanical inspection, especially the braking systems, before venturing onto our roads. Preventable tragedies like this underscore the need for unwavering compliance.”
The Special Adviser ended his remarks by reassuring the public that “the State Government remains resolute in its commitment to traffic safety enforcement, robust emergency responsiveness, and the relentless pursuit of roadworthiness compliance to avert further loss of lives.”
