One Dies as Truck Overturns in Lagos

A fatal accident occurred on Sunday in Lagos State, Nigeria, when a fully loaded six-tyre truck overturned due to a tyre burst. The incident happened around the TREM axis of Gbagada, inward Oshodi. The truck, with registration number ABJ 37 AC, was carrying assorted goods, including sealed bags and newly branded event chairs.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reported that an elderly man, who was a passenger in the truck's front cabin, died instantly when he fell out and hit his head against a sharp object. According to LASTMA's General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, preliminary findings indicated that the truck was travelling at considerable speed when its front tyre suddenly burst, causing the driver to lose control.

The LASTMA night rescue team swiftly responded to the scene, cordoning off the area to prevent further casualties. The team, along with personnel from the Pedro Police Division and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, participated in the emergency response. The deceased was evacuated from the busy carriageway into an ambulance belonging to the Lagos State Emergency Medical Services.

Officials from LASTMA deployed traffic cones and emergency warning signals to protect other motorists and prevent secondary collisions. Due to the volume and nature of the cargo, the overturned truck could not be immediately recovered. Arrangements were made to transfer the goods into another empty truck before the accident vehicle could be removed.

Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a painful and avoidable loss. He warned heavy-duty vehicle operators against excessive speeding, noting that it reduces drivers' reaction time, compromises vehicle stability, and increases the severity of road crashes.

The LASTMA boss urged operators of heavy-duty vehicles, commercial transporters, and other motorists to observe responsible driving practices and conduct regular vehicle inspections. He emphasized the importance of paying attention to the condition of tyres, braking systems, and other critical components before embarking on journeys.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA's commitment to proactive traffic surveillance, rapid emergency response, and collaboration with other agencies to protect lives and property across Lagos State. The incident highlights the need for caution and responsible driving practices on the roads.

Key points

• The accident resulted in one fatality, an elderly man who died instantly from head injuries.
• The truck was travelling at considerable speed when its front tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control.
• LASTMA warned heavy-duty vehicle operators against excessive speeding and urged them to observe responsible driving practices.