Passenger dies as truck overturn in Lagos

By Adebola Muili

A passenger has died after a fully loaded truck overturned around the TREM axis of Gbagada, inward Oshodi, Lagos, following a sudden tyre burst that reportedly caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

The deceased, an elderly man seated in the front cabin of the Mercedes-Benz six-tyre truck with registration number ABJ 37 AC, was thrown out of the vehicle during the incident and hit his head against a sharp object, resulting in his instant death.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said its swift intervention prevented further casualties and possible secondary accidents following the midnight crash.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, November 8, by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq.

According to the statement, the truck was conveying assorted consignments, including numerous sealed bags and newly branded event chairs, when its front tyre suddenly burst while it was travelling at considerable speed.

The driver reportedly lost control while attempting to stabilise the vehicle, causing it to overturn and eject the elderly passenger from the cabin.

LASTMA’s Night Rescue Team, which was conducting surveillance across major traffic corridors in the state, promptly mobilised to the scene and cordoned off the affected section of the road.

The operatives subsequently evacuated the deceased from the busy carriageway into a Lagos State Emergency Medical Services (SEHMU) ambulance to prevent further exposure to danger and ensure that approaching motorists did not cause another accident.

The emergency response also involved personnel of Pedro Police Division, who provided security support, and officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, who participated in the rescue operation.

To prevent secondary collisions, LASTMA officials strategically positioned traffic cones and deployed emergency warning signals around the accident scene to alert approaching motorists and facilitate the safe management of traffic.

The agency, however, said the overturned truck could not be immediately recovered because of the considerable volume and nature of its cargo. It explained that arrangements were made to transfer the assorted goods into another empty truck before the affected vehicle could be removed.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the loss as painful and avoidable.

Bakare-Oki warned heavy-duty vehicle operators against excessive speeding, noting that it reduces reaction time, compromises vehicle stability and increases the severity of road crashes, particularly when unexpected mechanical failures occur.

He maintained that the consequences of the incident could have been less severe if the truck had been travelling at a reasonably controlled speed, notwithstanding the sudden tyre explosion.

The LASTMA boss consequently urged operators of heavy-duty vehicles, commercial transporters and other motorists to embrace responsible driving practices, particularly during the ember months, and ensure that their vehicles were properly inspected before embarking on journeys.

He specifically advised drivers to pay close attention to the condition of their tyres, braking systems and other critical vehicle components, stressing that regular mechanical inspections were essential to preventing avoidable accidents.

He also cautioned drivers to maintain composure and apply appropriate vehicle-control techniques whenever they encountered sudden mechanical problems, rather than allowing excessive speed to turn such situations into fatal incidents.

Bakare-Oki reiterated that roadworthiness, speed moderation and compliance with traffic regulations remained indispensable to protecting lives, particularly on densely populated urban highways.

He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to proactive traffic surveillance, prompt emergency response and collaboration with other relevant agencies to ensure the safety of motorists and other road users across Lagos State.