One Killed in Gbagada Truck Crash As LASTMA Prevents Secondary Accident
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
A passenger lost his life in a lone truck accident around the TREM area of Gbagada, inward Oshodi, in the early hours of the day, while officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) swiftly responded to the scene to prevent further casualties.
According to LASTMA, the accident involved a fully loaded Mercedes-Benz six-tyre truck with registration number ABJ 37 AC, which overturned after reportedly suffering a front tyre burst while travelling at high speed.
Preliminary findings indicated that the truck, conveying assorted goods including sealed bags and newly branded event chairs, became unstable after the tyre failure, causing the driver to lose control.
During the incident, an elderly male passenger seated in the front cabin was reportedly thrown out of the vehicle and sustained fatal head injuries after striking a sharp object. He was confirmed dead at the scene.
LASTMA’s Night Rescue Team, which was on routine surveillance across major traffic corridors in the state, immediately secured the accident scene and evacuated the deceased into a Lagos State Emergency Medical Services (SEHMU) ambulance to prevent further danger to other road users.
The emergency operation received support from officers of the Pedro Police Division and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, who assisted in securing the area and managing the incident.
To minimise the risk of secondary crashes, LASTMA officials deployed traffic cones and emergency warning signs to alert approaching motorists and ensure the smooth diversion of traffic around the accident scene.
The Authority explained that recovery of the overturned truck was delayed due to the nature and volume of its cargo. Arrangements were therefore made to transfer the goods into another truck before the damaged vehicle could be removed.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the fatality as a painful and avoidable loss.
He warned operators of heavy-duty vehicles against excessive speeding, noting that high speed significantly reduces a driver’s ability to respond to emergencies and increases the severity of crashes, particularly when mechanical failures occur.
Bakare-Oki urged truck operators, commercial drivers and other motorists to carry out regular vehicle maintenance, especially on tyres, braking systems and other critical components, while observing speed limits and traffic regulations.
He also advised motorists to remain calm and adopt appropriate vehicle-control measures whenever mechanical faults occur, stressing that responsible driving and roadworthy vehicles remain essential to preventing avoidable road tragedies.
The LASTMA General Manager reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to proactive traffic management, rapid emergency response and collaboration with other emergency agencies to safeguard lives and property across Lagos State.
