A lone road accident involving a 40-foot containerised truck along the Isheri Elemu-Ijegun corridor left the driver dead and his assistant, popularly known as a “motor boy,” hospitalised with severe injuries.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident, revealing that the driver died instantly after becoming trapped beneath the wreckage of the overturned vehicle.
According to preliminary investigations by traffic officials, the articulated truck, which was empty at the time, suddenly lost stability while in motion and flipped over.
Responders from the LASTMA Rescue and Recovery Unit, alongside officers from the Isheri Osun Police Division, arrived swiftly at the scene to manage the crisis.
“The rescue team successfully extricated the lifeless body of the trapped driver from beneath the wreckage while simultaneously ensuring the safe evacuation of the injured motor boy,” a statement from the agency read.
The surviving motor boy, who sustained multiple fractures and injuries, was evacuated to a nearby medical facility, where he is currently receiving urgent treatment. To restore gridlock-heavy traffic along the corridor, officials deployed a heavy-duty crane and a flatbed recovery truck to clear the massive wreckage from the roadway.
Reacting to the tragedy, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bakare-Oki Olalekan, expressed profound sorrow and extended his condolences to the driver’s family, while wishing the survivor a speedy recovery.
Mr. Bakare-Oki used the opportunity to issue a stern reminder to transport companies and truck owners regarding the critical importance of routine vehicle maintenance. He emphasised that critical vehicle components, including braking and steering systems, tyres, suspension assemblies, and other essential mechanical parts, must undergo regular professional assessments to ensure optimal operational efficiency.
The LASTMA boss concluded by noting that preventable mechanical failures remain a significant threat to lives and property on Lagos roads, urging fleet operators to prioritise roadworthiness and strict compliance with safety regulations to avoid future tragedies.
