LASTMA RESCUE LAWMA OPERATIVE STRUCK DOWN BY RECKLESSLY SPEEDING LOADED CONTAINERIZED TRUCK ALONG OFFIN CANAL AXIS INWARD EKO Bridge.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a distressing and potentially fatal road traffic occurrence that unfolded in the early hours of today at Oja Junction, along the principal carriageway by Offin Canal inward Eko Bridge, involving a heavily laden containerised truck which violently struck a male operative of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), identified as Mr. Baba Ibeji, while he was diligently discharging his lawful refuse evacuation duties.

Preliminary investigative findings indicate that the articulated vehicle, reportedly travelling at an inordinately excessive speed, suffered a devastating brake system failure while descending the CMS Bridge connecting Offin Canal to Eko Bridge. This mechanical failure precipitated a catastrophic loss of control, culminating in the truck forcefully mowing down the LAWMA worker before further ramming into and crushing a Toyota Camry with registration number FST 417 FS, thereby aggravating the magnitude of the incident.

LASTMA personnel, strategically stationed within the corridor for traffic surveillance and vehicular regulation, demonstrated exceptional alacrity, gallantry and operational dexterity as they swiftly mobilised to the scene. In a daring and life-saving rescue operation, the Officers successfully extricated the grievously injured LAWMA operative from beneath the mangled wreckage of the truck, decisively averting what could have culminated in a fatality.

The injured victim was immediately conveyed by his colleagues who rushed to the accident scene to a nearby Fuja Hospital; however, he was regrettably declined admission due to the critical severity of his injuries. He was subsequently and without delay referred and transported to the General Hospital for urgent, comprehensive and specialist medical evaluation and treatment.

In a most condemnable act, the truck driver absconded from the scene immediately after the crash. Nonetheless, LASTMA operatives succeeded in apprehending the truck assistant (motor boy), who was promptly handed over to security personnel led by the Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) of Ebute-Ero Police Division, Lagos Island, to facilitate a thorough investigation.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, expressed unequivocal displeasure and vehemently frowned upon the reckless and irresponsible conduct that occasioned the crash. 

He directed relevant security agencies to conduct an exhaustive and conclusive investigation, with a comprehensive report to guide possible prosecution in strict accordance with extant laws.

Hon. Giwa further commended the promptness, courage and exemplary professionalism of LASTMA personnel, as well as other emergency responders, whose timely intervention indisputably prevented a tragic loss of life. 

He extended heartfelt sympathy to the family of the injured LAWMA operative and wished him a swift and complete recovery, while reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance stance on reckless driving, particularly by operators of articulated and heavy-duty vehicles.

LASTMA once again urges all motorists especially truck and trailer operators to ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles, adhere scrupulously to prescribed speed limits and exercise the utmost caution at all times, reiterating that negligence on the road often bears irreversible and devastating consequences.