A serious accident was averted on Saturday after operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) rescued a badly injured man when a fully loaded six-tyre truck plunged off the Oshodi Bridge inward Mile 2.
The truck, bearing registration number AKD 135 YK, was said to be conveying toner printing materials when it reportedly suffered a brake failure while descending the Oshodi-Oke Bridge, before veering off and crashing into the ditch near the terminal below.
Confirming the incident, Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, said the agency’s prompt intervention prevented what could have been a major tragedy.
“Our men arrived at the scene within minutes, rescued the injured victim, and quickly restored traffic flow around the affected area,” Taofiq said.
He disclosed that the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the truck driver was apprehended and handed over to policemen from Makinde Police Station, Oshodi, for further investigation.
The scene, he added, was cordoned off to avert secondary accidents, and the wreckage was cleared to ensure free vehicular movement.
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Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Bakare Oki, commended his officers for their swift and professional response, describing it as proof of the agency’s readiness to safeguard lives and maintain order on Lagos roads.
Oki cautioned motorists, particularly heavy-duty truck drivers, to maintain their vehicles regularly and comply with all safety standards, especially during the ember months when accidents tend to increase.
He added that LASTMA had strengthened its 24-hour traffic management operations, deploying recovery trucks and emergency units to key locations across the state to ensure quick response to emergencies.
“Our officers remain on high alert to protect lives and property, and to keep Lagos roads safe before, during, and after the festive season,” Oki assured.
