LASTMA Rescues LAWMA Operative Hit by Speeding Container Truck Near Eko Bridge

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a serious road traffic accident involving a containerised truck that struck a Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) operative along the Offin Canal axis inward Eko Bridge in the early hours of today.

The incident occurred at Oja Junction on the main carriageway when a heavily loaded articulated truck, reportedly travelling at high speed, lost control while descending the CMS Bridge toward Eko Bridge.

Preliminary findings suggest that a brake failure triggered the crash, during which the truck hit a LAWMA worker identified as Mr. Baba Ibeji, who was on duty evacuating refuse.

After striking the sanitation worker, the truck continued its movement and rammed into a Toyota Camry with registration number FST 417 FS, compounding the severity of the accident.

LASTMA officers on routine traffic monitoring in the area swiftly responded to the scene and carried out an emergency rescue operation. The officers successfully extricated the injured LAWMA operative from beneath the truck, preventing what authorities said could have resulted in a fatal outcome.

The victim was immediately taken to a nearby private hospital but was referred onward due to the critical nature of his injuries. He was subsequently transferred to a General Hospital for urgent and specialised medical care.

The truck driver reportedly fled the scene following the crash. However, LASTMA officials apprehended the driver’s assistant, commonly referred to as the motor boy, who was handed over to security personnel led by the Divisional Traffic Officer of the Ebute-Ero Police Division on Lagos Island for further investigation.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, condemned what he described as reckless and irresponsible driving, particularly by operators of heavy-duty vehicles.

He ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, noting that findings would guide possible prosecution in line with existing laws.

Hon. Giwa also commended the prompt response and professionalism of LASTMA officers and other emergency responders, whose intervention, he said, was crucial in saving the injured worker’s life.

He expressed sympathy to the family of the LAWMA operative and wished him a speedy recovery.

Reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance policy for reckless driving, the Special Adviser urged truck and trailer operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, comply with speed limits and exercise caution at all times, warning that negligence on the road often leads to grave consequences.