A fully loaded truck yesterday, plunged off the Oshodi bridge in Lagos, into the terminal ditch below, with one person feared dead
The truck, with registration number AKD 135 YK, was reportedly conveying tonner printing materials and was descending the Oshodi-Oke inward Mile 2 axis when the unexpected occurred.
According to eyewitnesses, the truck had barely reached the downward slope of the bridge when it began to swerve uncontrollably. Within seconds, it rammed through the side rails, tumbling into the terminal area beneath the bridge with a loud crash that sent traders, commuters and commercial bus drivers scampering for safety.
A commercial bus driver who identified himself simply as Kunle, said “We just saw the truck shaking as it was coming down. Before anyone could shout, it had jumped the rail and landed below. People screamed because we thought everyone in it had died.”
He said amid the chaos and confusion, concerned onlookers tried to approach the wreckage but were restrained by fears of fire or further collapse.
The situation caused a brief traffic buildup on both sides of the bridge, as vehicles slowed down to avoid the scene.
Moments later, operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority LASTMAarrived and immediately took charge of the rescue.
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA,
Adebayo Taofiq, explained that ” upon arrival, the officers immediately commenced rescue operations and successfully extricated a male victim who sustained grievous injuries in the accident and conveyed him. 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.
“To forestall secondary collisions and ensure the safety of road users, LASTMA operatives swiftly cordoned off the accident scene, diverted vehicular movement, and supervised the clearance of the wreckage thereby restoring traffic normalcy within a remarkably short period.
“Commending the officers for their gallantry and professionalism, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. 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.
“Mr. Oki further emphasized 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”, Taofiq stated.
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