Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reported a tragic road crash, which occurred earlier yesterday morning near the secretariat inward Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Lagos.
The crash involved a minibus, commonly referred to as “korope,” which collided with a moving long truck following a brake failure resulting from excessive speeding.
The incident occurred a day after an adult male was extricated from beneath the truck, while three others sustained injuries in multiple accidents at the same Otedola Bridge, Lagos.
The Monday incident, which involved four articulated trucks laden with containers, occurred due to reckless driving, which resulted in the accident trucks getting stuck to each other due to the force of impact on collision.
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA, m Adebayo Taofiq, in a statement, yesterday, said the severe impact left the driver of the minibus trapped within the wreckage.
He noted that the swift and coordinated intervention of LASTMA officers ensured the immediate rescue of other passengers, all of whom emerged unscathed.
“In a collaborative effort, LASTMA officers, alongside Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) personnel and to Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) f officials, worked relentlessly to extricate the trapped driver.
“Regrettably, despite their commendable efforts, the driver was recovered lifeless; his remains were subsequently handed over to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel by LASTMA officers.”
“Security operatives from the Alausa Police Division provided protection throughout the rescue operations,” he added.
Speaking on the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, underscored the paramount importance of adhering to traffic regulations, particularly in maintaining safe speeds and ensuring proper vehicle maintenance.
“This heartbreaking incident serves as a profound reminder of the dire consequences of reckless driving. We implore all road users to prioritise safety and exercise utmost caution while on the road,” he stated.
