The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a fatal accident involving a 40-foot container truck and a commercial tricycle at Ijora Causeway, inward Ijora 7Up, on Monday.
According to a statement signed by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, the container-laden truck (registration number XP 368 AKD) lost control while attempting a dangerous maneuver beneath the Ijora Bridge. The truck toppled onto a tricycle (KJA 364 QN) carrying unsuspecting passengers.
Tragically, two passengers, including a serving police officer, were killed instantly. The body of the officer was taken to a morgue in Yaba by security operatives, while relatives of the second victim, a female passenger, retrieved her remains at the scene.
In a swift rescue operation, LASTMA personnel, working with emergency responders, saved two others, including the tricycle operator. Both survivors sustained severe leg fractures and were rushed to Jimsan Hospital, Gasikiya, Ijora, by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).
The situation nearly turned chaotic when angry onlookers attempted to set the container truck ablaze. However, security teams from Badia, Trinity, and Kirikiri Police Divisions quickly secured the area, preventing violence and ensuring the safety of emergency workers.
Expressing his grief, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the incident as “deeply regrettable” and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He also prayed for the recovery of the injured and praised emergency agencies for their professionalism and swift response.
Bakare-Oki further urged truck drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially when navigating bridges, busy intersections, and crowded corridors, to prevent similar tragedies in the futures