Emamuzo Iboma
Tragedy struck early Sunday morning along the Eko Bridge inward Alaka corridor as a fatal collision involving two articulated Mack trucks claimed the lives of two dispatch riders and left one truck driver critically injured, plunging the city into mourning.
Preliminary investigations reveal that one of the trucks, with registration number T-10357 LA, was allegedly speeding when its driver, suspected to have fallen asleep at the wheel, lost control and rammed into another moving truck (KJA 107 XM). The violent impact dislodged a 20-foot container, which tragically crushed the two dispatch riders caught in the path of the vehicles. Both victims died instantly.
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who were on routine patrol under the bridge, responded swiftly. They successfully rescued one of the truck drivers, who sustained serious injuries. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in a Lagos State Government ambulance.
However, two other truck drivers involved in the incident reportedly fled the scene, prompting authorities to launch a manhunt for their arrest.
To prevent further accidents and manage the heavy traffic that ensued, LASTMA personnel cordoned off the affected section and rerouted vehicles through the Costain Roundabout toward Stadium via Alaka.
Speaking on the tragic event, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and lamented the avoidable loss of life. He stressed the importance of responsible driving, especially among operators of articulated vehicles, urging all drivers to remain alert and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting out.
Bakare-Oki also highlighted LASTMA’s ongoing public safety campaigns aimed at promoting responsible driving behavior, particularly among commercial and heavy-duty vehicle operators.
Emergency response teams from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LSNSC), the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU), and officers from the Iporin Division of the Nigeria Police Force were present at the scene.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing to track down the fleeing drivers and bring them to justice.
