A fully loaded truck in Lagos, plunged off the Oshodi Bridge on Saturday after experiencing brake failure, resulting in one individual sustaining severe injuries. Operatives from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) quickly responded to the incident, conducting a rescue operation and managing traffic congestion.
The accident occurred on the Oshodi-Oke bridge, a transit point on the densely populated Oshodi-Apapa Expressway corridor, which serves as a major gateway for cargo moving to and from Lagos ports and the mainland.
This area is notorious for heavy traffic and frequent accidents involving large commercial vehicles, such as the six-tire truck involved. Mechanical faults, particularly brake failure, are significant contributors to road traffic accidents across Nigeria, accounting for approximately 10% of crashes nationwide, according to data from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The truck driver was apprehended and handed over to police from Makinde Police Station for further investigation into the mechanical failure.
Adebayo Taofiq, Director of LASTMA’s Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, stated that the agency demonstrated exemplary display of operational precision and institutional alertness. He lauded the prompt response of officials to prevent further casualties, noting they cordoned off the accident scene and diverted traffic.
General Manager Bakare Oki commended the operatives for their professionalism.
Mr. Oki emphasized the agency’s need to be vigilant, especially during the ember months, when traffic density and accident risks are heightened.
LASTMA plans to continue its 24-hour operations and strategic deployment of heavy-duty recovery vehicles to ensure traffic flow and rapid emergency response, urging motorists to prioritize regular vehicle maintenance.
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