Tragedy struck at the Ojodu Berger axis of Lagos State on Tuesday when an officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, was crushed and maimed by a reckless truck driver when he lost control of the vehicle in motion.
The driver of the fully loaded trailer driver with registration number Bauchi State, KTG 33 ZZ, was said to be at excessive speed when he suddenly lost control, culminating in a devastating accident at the axis.
The tragic incident transpired while the LASTMA officer was resuming his afternoon duty shift, underscoring the perilous consequences of careless driving on public roads.
Preliminary investigations, however, revealed that the ill-fated trailer was coming from Agidingbi by Oba Ogunji Road en route to Omole Junction in the Ogba corridor when the driver, while on alarmingly high velocity, lost control of the vehicle, crushing the officer.
The sheer impact of the crash inflicted severe trauma on the LASTMA officer, leading to a grievous fracture of his right leg and hand.
The victim was immediately rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, for treatment.
The culpable trailer driver absconded from the scene in a brazen attempt to evade justice.
However, he was swiftly apprehended by security operatives from Ojodu Police Station, working in collaboration with vigilant LASTMA officials.
Reacting to the tragic occurrence, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, promptly visited the hospitalized officer at LASUTH,
“Upon emergency medical assessment at the Surgical Emergency Centre of LASUTH, attending specialists determined that the extent of the injuries necessitated an immediate amputation of his right leg,” Bakare-Oki stated
The LASTMA boss vehemently condemned the incident and lamented that such a calamity could have been averted had the driver exercised due diligence and adhered to fundamental road safety protocols.
He admonished trailer and truck operators, along with all motorists, to uphold the utmost sense of safety consciousness, stressing the inestimable value of human life.
“LASTMA officers are not adversaries to motorists; rather, they are dedicated to ensuring that traffic flows seamlessly, fostering economic growth and urban efficiency in Lagos State in the process,” he asserted.
Expressing profound sympathy, Bakare-Oki extended his sincerest wishes for the officer’s swift recovery while reaffirming LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to enhancing road safety and ensuring orderliness on Lagos highways.
He assured the government would ensure that the patient received all necessary medical attention for full recovery. ” The Government will not abandon you; we are with you throughout this difficult period.”
