LASTMA rescues motor boy as truck driver dies in fatal Lagos road crash

Michael Olumide

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the death of a truck driver following a tragic lone road traffic accident involving a 40-foot containerized articulated vehicle along the Isheri Elemu inward Ijegun corridor in Lagos.

According to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the accident, which occurred when the empty articulated truck suddenly lost stability and overturned, claimed the life of the driver instantly, while leaving his assistant, popularly known as a motor boy, with multiple injuries.

The deceased driver became trapped beneath the overturned truck and died on the spot due to the severity of the impact.

His assistant, who survived the crash, sustained fractures and other injuries and was immediately rescued and transported to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment.

Preliminary investigations conducted at the scene indicated that the articulated vehicle, though not carrying any cargo at the time of the incident, unexpectedly lost balance while in motion, resulting in the devastating accident.

Following distress calls, operatives of the LASTMA Rescue and Recovery Unit swiftly mobilized to the scene and commenced emergency response operations.

The team successfully extricated the body of the deceased driver from beneath the wreckage while ensuring the prompt evacuation of the injured motor boy for medical care.

To prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of other road users, LASTMA officials secured the accident corridor and implemented comprehensive traffic management measures around the scene. The authority also coordinated emergency operations aimed at preventing secondary collisions and maintaining order along the busy route.

Personnel of the Isheri Osun Police Division provided security support throughout the rescue and recovery exercise, helping to maintain law and order while facilitating the smooth conduct of emergency operations.

In a bid to restore normal traffic flow, a heavy-duty crane and a flatbed recovery truck were deployed to remove the overturned articulated vehicle and clear the wreckage from the roadway.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bakare-Oki Olalekan, expressed deep sadness over the loss of the driver and extended condolences to his family.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of the deceased driver during this difficult period,” he said.

The LASTMA boss also wished the injured motor boy a speedy and full recovery, expressing hope that he would respond positively to treatment and regain full health.

Mr. Bakare-Oki used the opportunity to reiterate the agency’s commitment to promoting road safety across Lagos State.

He stressed the importance of regular mechanical inspections and preventive maintenance for heavy-duty vehicles, particularly articulated trucks that ply the state’s highways and major roads.

According to him, critical safety components such as braking systems, steering mechanisms, tyres, suspension systems and other essential vehicle parts must be subjected to routine professional assessments to guarantee optimal performance and reduce the risk of accidents.

He further urged transport companies, fleet operators, truck owners and drivers to prioritize vehicle roadworthiness and adhere strictly to safety regulations, warning that avoidable mechanical failures continue to pose serious threats to lives, property and public safety.

The incident once again highlights the dangers associated with heavy-duty vehicle operations and underscores the need for stricter compliance with maintenance standards and road safety protocols to prevent future tragedies on Lagos roads.

LASTMA reaffirmed its commitment to rapid emergency response, traffic management and public safety, while calling on all stakeholders in the transportation sector to work collectively towards reducing road accidents across the state.