Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued a severely injured victim after a fully-loaded six-tyre truck (AKD 135 YK) crashed off the Oshodi Bridge due to brake failure.
In a statement by Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, on Saturday, the rescue is a demonstration of LASTMA’s commitment to public safety and emergency response.
“Preliminary information gathered from the scene indicated that the ill-fated truck, reportedly laden with tonner printing materials, experienced a critical mechanical failure while descending the bridge, thereby losing control before skidding off the carriageway and tumbling into the terminal below.
“The unfortunate incident, which could have culminated in catastrophic casualties, was swiftly mitigated through the prompt, professional, and coordinated intervention of LASTMA personnel who arrived at the scene within minutes to rescue victims, manage traffic, and prevent escalation,” Taofiq said.
The agency’s image maker said its officers immediately commenced rescue operations and successfully extricated a male victim who sustained grievous injuries in the accident.
He added, “The injured man was expeditiously conveyed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, while the driver of the truck was apprehended and handed over to security operatives from Makinde Police Station, Oshodi, for further investigation into the cause of the brake malfunction and other contributory factors.”
Taofiq noted that the accident scene was cordoned off to forestall secondary collisions and ensure the safety of road users, adding that traffic normalcy was restored within a short period.
Commending the officers for their gallantry and professionalism, the General Manager of LASTMA, Bakare Oki, lauded their exceptional response, diligence, and adherence to standard safety protocols during the operation.
He reiterated the Agency’s unrelenting vigilance in ensuring the protection of lives and property on Lagos roads, particularly during the ember months, when traffic density and accident risks are significantly heightened.
The LASTMA boss further emphasised that the Agency’s ongoing 24-hour traffic management operations were instituted to guarantee seamless vehicular movement across the State before, during, and after the festive season.
He disclosed that heavy-duty recovery vehicles and mini trucks have been strategically deployed across the five administrative divisions of Lagos, supported by over 2,700 personnel stationed at critical traffic nodes and corridors for optimal coverage and swift emergency response.
The General Manager reaffirmed LASTMA’s unyielding commitment to proactive traffic regulation, timely rescue operations, and the continuous enlightenment of motorists on the imperatives of mechanical maintenance, safety discipline, and compliance with traffic laws across the metropolis.
