Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Government has stated that it is deeply concerned and disturbed by a distressing road traffic accident involving a heavy-duty truck carrying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and a private vehicle at Apakun Bridge, Oshodi.
This was conveyed in a statement on Sunday signed by Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
According to Taofiq, preliminary investigations indicated that the truck, registration number EKY 120 YK, was operating at an excessively high speed, contravening traffic safety regulations, and collided with a silver Toyota Corolla (EKY 289 HM) at the apex of Apakun Bridge.
The image maker noted that the collision resulted in significant traffic disruption and posed an immediate threat to the safety of individuals and property in the surrounding area.
He wrote, “In the unfortunate aftermath of the incident, two unsuspecting pedestrians were struck in the course of the collision, while the driver of the Toyota Corolla sustained grave and debilitating injuries.
“In a sterling demonstration of professionalism, courage and operational proficiency, officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) promptly mobilised to the scene, coordinated an effective rescue intervention and successfully extricated the injured victims from the wreckage.
“The affected pedestrians and the injured driver were swiftly conveyed to a nearby medical facility, where they are presently undergoing intensive and life-preserving medical treatment.”
He added that the Ajao Estate Police Division provided security reinforcement to safeguard public safety and maintain order during rescue and evacuation operations, thereby preventing secondary incidents and facilitating an effective emergency response.
Given the truck’s highly combustible cargo, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were deployed to the scene as a precautionary measure, and remained on standby to respond to any potential emergency.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Honourable Sola Giwa, vehemently condemned the alarming frequency of road traffic accidents occasioned by reckless overspeeding, particularly among operators of trucks, tankers and other articulated vehicles.
He described such conduct as egregiously irresponsible, dangerously negligent and wholly antithetical to the Lagos State Government’s overarching aspiration of fostering a safe, orderly and efficiently regulated transportation ecosystem.
Hon. Giwa warned operators of articulated vehicles, tankers, and trucks to comply strictly with traffic laws and speed limits, stating that the Lagos State Government will enforce the law against anyone endangering lives through reckless driving.
He further conveyed his heartfelt prayers and best wishes for the speedy and complete recovery of the injured pedestrians and the driver of the Toyota Corolla, while reassuring residents of Lagos State of the Government’s unwavering commitment to road safety, proactive traffic management and the protection of all categories of road users.
LASTMA urged motorists to exercise prudence, observe speed limits, and follow traffic regulations, reiterating its call for collective responsibility on the highways to ensure public safety.
