Two pedestrians injured as reckless truck driver triggers collision at Apakun bridge

Stanley Ihedigbo

Lagos State Government has expressed deep concern over a serious road traffic accident that occurred at the crest of Apakun Bridge, inward Oshodi, involving a heavy-duty truck conveying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and a privately owned motor vehicle.

According to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, preliminary investigations revealed that the truck, with registration number EKY 120 YK, was allegedly driven at an excessively dangerous speed, in blatant violation of traffic regulations.

The truck reportedly rammed into a moving silver-coloured Toyota Corolla (EKY 289 HM) at a highly sensitive point of the Apakun Bridge, resulting in a violent collision that disrupted traffic flow and posed grave danger to lives and property in the area.

In the course of the accident, two innocent pedestrians were struck and injured, while the driver of the Toyota Corolla sustained severe injuries.

Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) responded swiftly to the distress call and demonstrated commendable professionalism by coordinating an effective rescue operation. The injured pedestrians and the driver were carefully extricated from the wreckage and rushed to a nearby medical facility, where they are currently receiving urgent medical attention.

To ensure public safety and prevent further incidents, officers of the Ajao Estate Police Division provided security cover during the rescue and evacuation process, enabling emergency responders to operate without obstruction.

Given the highly combustible nature of the truck’s cargo, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were also deployed to the scene as a precautionary measure, remaining on standby to swiftly address any potential gas-related emergency.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Honourable Sola Giwa, strongly condemned the recurring incidents of road crashes caused by reckless overspeeding, particularly by operators of trucks, tankers and articulated vehicles.

Hon. Giwa described such behaviour as grossly irresponsible, dangerously negligent and completely unacceptable, stressing that it undermines the Lagos State Government’s vision of a safe, orderly and efficient transportation system.

He issued a stern and unequivocal warning to operators of trucks, tankers and other articulated vehicles to strictly adhere to traffic laws and prescribed speed limits, warning that the State Government will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against anyone found endangering lives through reckless driving.

The Special Adviser also expressed heartfelt prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured pedestrians and the driver, while reassuring Lagos residents of the government’s unwavering commitment to road safety, proactive traffic management and the protection of all road users.

Reaffirming its statutory mandate, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) urged all motorists to exercise caution, obey speed limits and comply strictly with traffic regulations, emphasizing that collective responsibility remains critical to ensuring safety on Lagos roads.