The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) announces with profound grief a devastating road traffic calamity that occurred at Iyana Meiran inward Meiran Road, by the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Meiran, Lagos, resulting in the instantaneous death of two persons and the critical injury of three others.
Preliminary security findings revealed that the tragic occurrence was triggered by a Dangote Silo Mixer Truck which, while being operated at an inordinately high speed, suffered a sudden brake failure and consequently lost control. The runaway truck forcefully rammed into a commercial mini-bus, popularly referred to as Korope (EPP 541 YF) as well as four tricycles (Marwa) KTU 360 QN, LND 444 QL, LSR 444 QN, and EKY 122 QP. The violent impact culminated in extensive destruction, trapping commuters amid mangled vehicles and twisted wreckage.
Exhibiting exceptional professionalism, promptness and operational dexterity, LASTMA personnel swiftly mobilised to the accident scene and with the invaluable assistance of public-spirited passersby, successfully rescued and evacuated three severely injured victims who were trapped within the crushed vehicles. To ensure the safety of responders and forestall secondary collisions, the Authority immediately cordoned off the entire corridor and instituted comprehensive traffic control and diversion measures.
In line with established inter-agency emergency response protocols, security operatives from the Meiran Police Division were promptly notified by LASTMA Officers. The Divisional Police Officer personally led a team of officers to the crash site, providing crucial security reinforcement throughout the rescue and recovery operations.
Regrettably, the driver of the Dangote Silo Mixer Truck absconded from the scene upon realising the gravity of the incident.
All injured victims were expeditiously conveyed to Mobonke Hospital, Meiran Road, for urgent and intensive medical care while the remains of the two deceased persons were formally handed over to the Nigeria Police, who subsequently arranged conveyance with an ambulance.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki expressed deep sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, while wishing the injured victims a speedy and full recovery.
He reiterated the Agency’s unwavering commitment to the preservation of lives and property on Lagos roads and re-emphasized the critical obligation of all motorists particularly operators of heavy-duty and articulated vehicles to ensure that their braking systems and other vital mechanical components are thoroughly inspected and certified roadworthy before embarking on any journey.
Mr. Bakare-Oki further admonished drivers to adhere strictly to government-regulated speed limits, stressing that mechanical negligence and excessive speeding remain persistent and avoidable causes of fatal road crashes.
LASTMA once again appeals to all road users to exercise utmost caution, prioritise vehicle roadworthiness and uphold traffic regulations in the collective interest of public safety across Lagos State.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA
