CITIZENS COMPASS–A commercial driver in Lagos has reportedly lost his life following a fatal accident which occurred on the CMS bridge.
He was said to be attending to his Suzuki mini vehicle with number plate, EPE 718 HR, when a containerized truck reportedly crushed him to death on the bridge.
The accident as confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) was recorded at about 6.15a.m, on Tuesday.
LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofik, while confirming the accident said the Agency deeply regret to announce it.
“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA)
regret to report a fatal accident involving a containerized truck and a commercial Suzuki mini vehicle (EPE 718 HR) that occurred on CMS Bridge, near UBA, descending towards Apongbon Bridge, Lagos Island.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the truck driver had temporarily halted the vehicle to address a mechanical malfunction when the Suzuki mini vehicle, reportedly traveling at an excessive speed, fatally struck him. The impact resulted in his immediate death. A female passenger in the Suzuki sustained severe eye injuries and was urgently transported to General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, for emergency medical treatment.
“LASTMA personnel quickly responded to the scene, coordinating efforts with officers from the Ebute-Ero Police Division, LASMABUS, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit.
“The police promptly secured the scene, facilitated the removal of the deceased’s remains, and supported LASTMA officers to ensure the seamless flow of traffic in the aftermath of the incident.
“The authority expresses its deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased and strongly urges motorists to exercise heightened vigilance and adhere to traffic regulations, especially in densely congested areas.
“LASTMA remains unwavering in its dedication to promoting road safety and preventing such tragic occurrences in the future.”
Meanwhile, LASTMA has confirmed another accident along the Lekki-Ajah expressway.
“A single-vehicle accident involving a Chevrolet Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) occurred on the Lekki-Ajah Expressway in Lagos, near Salem, heading towards Lekki. The SUV veered off the road and plunged into a drainage ditch, with preliminary reports attributing the crash to suspected brake failure exacerbated by reckless speeding.
“Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were recorded in this incident.
“The swift intervention of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) personnel ensured that traffic flow was effectively managed, preventing significant disruptions and alleviating congestion in the affected area.
“Also, LASTMA personnel immediately contacted LASEMA Response Unit (LRU) for immediate evacuation.
“This incident starkly illustrates the grave risks posed by excessive speeding and the neglect of routine vehicle maintenance.
“The Lagos State Government continues to emphasize its unwavering commitment to road safety, urging motorists to strictly observe speed limits and ensure their vehicles undergo regular maintenance to prevent avoidable accidents.”
In a related development, the Agency on Wednesday, rescued a driver whose vehicle overturned in the Alakija, Mile 2 area of the State.
As confirmed by LASTMA, the accident occurred after the vehicle veered off the road at high speed, reportedly due to brake failure.
According to the Spokesperson, “In an impressive demonstration of rapid action, Officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) successfully rescued a driver whose Lexus 470 Jeep overturned in the Alakija area of Mile 2, Lagos.
The accident occurred after the vehicle veered off the road at high speed, reportedly due to brake failure.
“The driver, who miraculously escaped without injury, expressed his gratitude to the LASTMA Officers from Zone 5, Mile 2, for their quick and effective intervention. Security support was also provided by the Mile 2 Police Station throughout the rescue and evacuation operation.
“Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, stressed the importance of road safety, urging motorists to observe speed limits and ensure their vehicles are in optimal condition before setting out on the road.
“He also reminded the public that emergencies or incidents can be reported to LASTMA through their toll-free hotline (080000527862) or by visiting the newly launched ‘Walk-In Complaint Centre’ at LASTMA Headquarters in Oshodi.
“This incident underscores the crucial need for regular vehicle maintenance and careful driving practices.
“LASTMA’s swift response, coupled with the collaboration of security agencies, successfully averted what could have been a catastrophic situation.”
