Brake failure triggers multiple-vehicle crash on LASU–Isheri road, LASTMA rescues three

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued three people trapped in a multiple-vehicle collision that occurred along the LASU–Isheri Road, around Iyana School, inward Igando, Lagos.

The victims, comprising one male and two females, reportedly sustained varying degrees of severe fracture injuries in the crash and were subsequently evacuated to El-Shaddai Hospital, where they are receiving medical attention.

The accident, according to preliminary findings by LASTMA, involved a MACK flatbed truck, a Toyota Sienna and two commercial tricycles.

The agency said the crash was reportedly triggered by a catastrophic brake failure suffered by the MACK flatbed truck, which allegedly caused its driver to lose effective control of the vehicle before it violently collided with the other vehicles.

According to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the impact of the collision resulted in a serious multi-vehicle crash, leaving some of the occupants trapped in the wreckage and posing a significant threat to other road users and commuters plying the busy corridor.

LASTMA personnel who were conducting routine traffic surveillance and operational patrol in the area reportedly responded promptly to the incident after activating the agency’s emergency response protocol.

The traffic management officers immediately commenced rescue operations and worked to prevent further collisions as motorists approached the accident scene.

The agency said its swift intervention played a critical role in extricating the trapped victims from the wreckage and ensuring that the accident did not result in further casualties.

In collaboration with officers of the Iba Police Division, LASTMA personnel also coordinated the evacuation of the damaged vehicles from the road.

The operation led to the comprehensive clearance of the accident scene and helped to avert prolonged traffic congestion and the possibility of secondary crashes in the area.

The vehicles identified as being involved in the collision included a MACK flatbed truck, a Toyota vehicle with registration number FGC 80 XE, and a TVS commercial tricycle with registration number LSR 604 QP.

Throughout the emergency operation, LASTMA traffic management officers remained at the scene to regulate vehicular movement and safeguard commuters while the rescue and recovery efforts were ongoing.

Following the successful evacuation of the accident victims and removal of the damaged vehicles, normal traffic flow was restored along the affected section of the LASU–Isheri Road.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the agency’s emergency response personnel for what he described as their professionalism, courage and prompt intervention during the incident.

Bakare-Oki also used the occasion to admonish motorists, particularly operators of articulated and heavy-duty vehicles, to ensure that their vehicles undergo comprehensive mechanical inspections before embarking on journeys.

He stressed the need for motorists to pay particular attention to the condition and efficiency of their vehicles’ braking systems, noting that mechanical defects could have devastating consequences for road users.

According to him, routine preventive maintenance of critical vehicle components remains essential to reducing avoidable road traffic crashes and promoting road safety across Lagos State.

The LASTMA General Manager further urged all motorists to exercise the highest level of caution while driving and to comply strictly with existing traffic laws and regulations.

He also appealed to members of the public to promptly report road traffic emergencies to the agency through its toll-free emergency short code, 3367, to enable emergency response teams to intervene swiftly.

The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting lives, managing traffic effectively and ensuring the prompt restoration of mobility whenever road crashes or other emergencies occur across Lagos State.