…LASTMA Rescues victim, —GM LASTMA Urges Articulated Vehicle Operators to Heed Speed Limits and Maintenance Protocols
Accidental scene
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has officially confirmed a devastating road traffic mishap involving two iron-rod-laden flatbed Iveco trucks (QX 189 KSF & YA 701 AAA) at Ita Oluwo, Ikorodu, a boundary corridor linking Lagos and Ogun States. The catastrophic incident resulted in severe injuries, large-scale vehicle destruction, and the rapid deployment of emergency rescue teams.
Preliminary investigations conducted by LASTMA operatives reveal that the fatal collision stemmed from a critical mechanical failure specifically, brake failure on the part of one of the trucks YA 701 AAA, which was reportedly travelling at excessive speed.
The uncontrolled vehicle ploughed forcefully into another truck ahead of it on the same route, resulting in a collision of terrifying magnitude. The thunderous impact not only reduced both vehicles to mangled steel but also induced widespread panic among motorists and residents in the vicinity.
In the harrowing aftermath, an unidentified woman was tragically caught and trapped between the two articulated vehicles. Through a swift, expertly coordinated rescue effort led by LASTMA personnel, and supported by operatives of the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), and officers of the Nigeria Police, the trapped victim was extricated from the wreckage. She was subsequently evacuated by officers from Ogijo Police Division and rushed to the morgue at Ogun State University Teaching Hospital (OSUTH), Sagamu.
Reacting to the tragic episode, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, extended profound condolences to families of the deceased, describing the incident as a painful yet powerful reminder of the perils of mechanical delinquency and reckless vehicular operation on public roads.
“This appalling tragedy highlights the urgent necessity for unyielding compliance with road safety protocols, particularly for operators of articulated trucks conveying hazardous and high-density cargo,” Mr. Bakare-Oki stated.
“It is particularly disheartening that incidents of this nature, which are avoidable through due diligence and professional discipline, persist due to mechanical neglect and irresponsible speeding.”
He affirmed the Lagos State Government’s unrelenting resolve through LASTMA and allied enforcement agencies to uphold traffic regulations without compromise, especially in circumstances where public safety is imperiled by corporate or driver negligence.
The General Manager further called on haulage firms and logistics operators to institutionalize routine mechanical diagnostics, enforce mandatory driver certification, and verify psychological fitness before assigning operators to heavy-duty freight vehicles.
Mr. Bakare Oki emphasized that roadworthiness is not optional, but obligatory for those entrusted with the operation of high-risk transport equipment.
Thanks to the tireless intervention of emergency responders, the collision site has since been cleared and normal traffic flow fully restored along the affected stretch of the Lagos-Ogun axis.
LASTMA continues to implore all road users especially operators of long-haul trucks and articulated vehicles to observe all regulatory speed limits, obey directional signage, and report any mechanical anomalies prior to embarking on any journey.
For prompt assistance or to report traffic-related emergencies, citizens are encouraged to contact LASTMA via its toll-free hotline: 0800-00-LASMA (080000527862).
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA