The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a serious road traffic accident that occurred early Tuesday at Oja Junction, along the Offin Canal inward Eko Bridge.
The incident involved a container-laden truck that struck a Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) worker, identified as Mr Baba Ibeji, while he was carrying out refuse evacuation duties.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck, reportedly speeding excessively, suffered a brake failure while descending the CMS Bridge. The mechanical fault caused the driver to lose control, hitting the LAWMA operative before crashing into a Toyota Camry with registration number FST 417 FS.
LASTMA officers stationed nearby responded swiftly, rescuing the injured worker from beneath the wreckage in what officials described as a life-saving intervention. He was rushed to Fuja Hospital but was denied admission due to the severity of his injuries. He was later transferred to the General Hospital for urgent medical care.
The truck driver fled the scene immediately after the crash, but LASTMA operatives apprehended the truck’s assistant, who was handed over to police officers from the Ebute-Ero Division for further investigation.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, condemned the reckless driving that led to the accident and directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation with possible prosecution.
He praised the courage and professionalism of LASTMA officers and other emergency responders, noting their quick action prevented a fatality. Giwa also extended sympathy to the victim’s family and reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy on reckless driving, especially by heavy-duty vehicle operators.
LASTMA has reiterated its call for truck and trailer drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, obey speed limits, and exercise caution, stressing that negligence on the road can have devastating consequences.
