Truck Driver escapes death – one dies

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reported an unfortunate incident that occurred earlier today involving a truck driver.

An articulated truck driver has been apprehended by diligent operatives following a tragic accident resulting in the death of a scavenger who was pushing a wheelbarrow.

This incident took place around the Mile 12 market, situated along the Ikorodu Road in Lagos.

According to Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA said;

The accident involved a 16-tyre articulated truck of the brand ‘DAF’ with the registration number LSR 901 XV.

The unfortunate collision occurred on the main carriage way, specifically in the direction of Ketu along the Ikorodu Expressway in Lagos.

Preliminary investigations conducted by LASTMA revealed that the truck driver lost control of the vehicle while traveling at a high speed.

This loss of control was attributed to a brake failure, which ultimately led to the truck colliding with the scavenger who was pushing his wheelbarrow on the main carriage way, heading towards Ketu in Lagos.

In the immediate aftermath of this distressing incident, the LASTMA Officers promptly responded and successfully rescued the scavenger, ensuring his safety.

However, despite their best efforts, the scavenger tragically succumbed to his injuries while being transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.

It is indeed a deeply saddening turn of events.

The LASTMA remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all road users, and we will continue to work tirelessly to prevent such unfortunate incidents from occurring in the future. Mr Adebayo said.

“Upon information on the death of the scavenger, some miscreants and hoodlums trooped out to attack the truck driver but, he was rescued to Ketu Police Divisional Headquarters by LASTMA officials with the support of security personnel”. Eyewitness

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bakare-Oki Olalekan, kindly appeals to Market leaders to diligently conduct safety enlightenment campaigns.

The perilous practice of utilizing wheelbarrows to transport goods or food items on the highways throughout the State should be discouraged.

In addition, Mr. Bakare-Oki Olalekan firmly cautions truck drivers to consistently refrain from exceeding the designated speed limits.

Truck Driver must ensure that the braking systems of their trucks are in optimal condition prior to embarking on any journey, whether within or outside the State.