Driver Arrested After Fatal Lagos Truck Accident Leaves One Dead
A tragic road accident occurred on Sunday along the Agbotikuyo stretch of the Old Ipaja Road in Lagos State, resulting in the death of one person. The driver of a containerised truck was arrested after allegedly attempting to flee the scene of the fatal crash.
According to a statement from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the collision involved a 40-foot Mack containerised truck, which lost control due to a reported brake failure. The vehicle crashed into a commercial minibus, commonly referred to as a “Korope,” killing the driver of the minibus instantly. Three other passengers miraculously survived the incident without injuries.
Adebayo Taofiq, the spokesperson for LASTMA, confirmed the details of the accident in a press statement. He explained that the truck, fully loaded and identified by its plate number MUS 729 XY, suffered a brake malfunction while navigating the busy road. The result was a violent crash into the smaller minibus, leading to devastating consequences.
“The catastrophic collision involved a fully-laden 40-foot Mack containerised truck, which, reportedly due to catastrophic brake failure, toppled onto a commercial minibus. Tragically, the devastating impact led to the instantaneous death of the minibus driver, whose life was abruptly cut short in the line of duty,” Taofiq stated.
A Call for Stronger Enforcement and Driver Education
The scene of the accident quickly drew attention from local authorities and emergency responders. LASTMA officials, who were stationed along the corridor, acted swiftly by rescuing the three surviving passengers — two women and one man — and handing them over to emergency medical services for immediate attention.
In a shocking development, the driver of the truck allegedly attempted to escape from the accident scene. However, vigilant LASTMA officers at the site acted quickly to prevent his getaway. The suspect was apprehended and immediately handed over to security personnel from both the Elere and Area ‘G’ Police Divisions.
“It is worth noting that the truck driver, in a failed attempt to abscond from the scene, was apprehended by vigilant LASTMA Officers and promptly transferred to security personnel,” Taofiq added.
The aftermath of the crash caused significant traffic congestion in the Agbotikuyo area, as authorities worked to remove the wreckage and restore order.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased. He used the opportunity to caution all drivers and operators of articulated vehicles about the importance of routine vehicle maintenance, particularly focusing on brake systems.
Giwa stressed that the state government would not tolerate negligence that puts innocent lives at risk. He urged truck drivers and logistics companies to prioritize roadworthiness and safety.
“Truck operators must adhere strictly to safety protocols,” he warned. “It is non-negotiable that every articulated vehicle undergoes a thorough mechanical inspection, especially the braking systems, before venturing onto our roads. Preventable tragedies like this underscore the need for unwavering compliance.”
Giwa further reiterated that the Lagos State Government remains firmly committed to traffic law enforcement, efficient emergency response, and public safety.
Sunday’s crash has once again sparked concerns over road safety and accountability in Lagos, particularly in relation to articulated vehicles. The incident underscores the dangers posed by heavy-duty trucks on busy city roads — especially when driven by drivers operating unsafe or poorly maintained vehicles.
According to residents in the area, the stretch of Old Ipaja Road where the accident occurred is notorious for heavy traffic and erratic driving behavior, making it even more critical for drivers to exercise caution and diligence.
Efforts are underway to remove the damaged vehicles and fully restore traffic flow. Meanwhile, investigations into the circumstances of the crash continue, with the arrested driver expected to face prosecution.
This tragic event has reignited calls from traffic safety advocates and civil society groups for stronger regulatory enforcement and improved driver education. They argue that while enforcement is essential, long-term safety will only be achieved when every driver, especially those behind the wheels of large trucks, fully understands the consequences of negligence.
In the meantime, the Lagos State Government is urging the public to remain calm and cooperative, especially during ongoing road safety campaigns and inspections aimed at preventing such accidents in the future.
Source- Punch
