A fatal multi-vehicle accident in the early hours of Sunday (12:30 AM) on the Odo Iya-Alaro Bridge along Ikorodu Road, Lagos, has claimed one life and left seventeen others severely injured.
This was disclosed in a press statement on Sunday by Adebayo Taofiq, the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
According to Taofiq, preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of a Mack truck, registered as KWL 923 XB and fully loaded with diesel, lost control while speeding towards Ojota. “In a desperate attempt to apply faulty brakes, the truck rammed into seven other vehicles, including buses and cars, causing extensive damage,” he explained.
The LASTMA Rescue Team, who are responsible for responding to overnight incidents on the State’s roads, were the first to arrive at the scene. They immediately called in additional emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire Service, LASAMBUS, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit (LRU), and officers from Anthony Police Station.
However, one passenger in one of the affected buses suffered fatal head injuries and died instantly. “LASAMBUS personnel provided urgent medical care to the 17 injured individuals, who were then transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment,” Taofiq added. The LASTMA Rescue Team quickly cleared the wreckage, including the loaded truck, to restore traffic flow and prevent further gridlock.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery. “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic accident. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of all road users in Lagos State,” the statement quoted Bakare-Oki.
This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of road safety and serves as a stark reminder for all drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations.
