Speeding blamed as truck overturns, kills passenger in Lagos

One person has died in a crash involving a fully laden Mercedes-Benz six-tyre truck (ABJ 37 AC), which overturned around the TREM axis of Gbagada, inward Oshodi.

The incident prompted the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to warn truck operators against speeding.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, gave the warning in a statement on Sunday following the tragic road incident, which occurred at midnight.

“Security findings indicate that the truck, which was conveying assorted consignments, including numerous sealed bags and newly branded event chairs, was travelling at considerable speed when its front tyre suddenly burst.

“This resulted in the driver losing control of the vehicle.

“In the ensuing struggle to stabilise the truck, an elderly male passenger seated in the front cabin was flung out of the vehicle and struck his head against a sharp object.

“The impact proved fatal, resulting in his instantaneous death,” he said.

He said LASTMA’s night rescue team, which was conducting strategic surveillance across major traffic corridors in the state, promptly mobilised to the scene and cordoned off the area.

“The operatives immediately evacuated the deceased from the busy carriageway into a Lagos State Emergency Medical Services (SEHMU) ambulance.

“This action eliminated further exposure of the victim and prevented the possibility of another catastrophic incident involving approaching motorists.

“The rescue and traffic management operations received substantial inter-agency support, with personnel from Pedro Police Division providing essential security reinforcement.

“Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also participated in the emergency response,” he said.

The LASTMA boss said the overturned truck could not be immediately recovered because of the considerable volume and nature of its cargo.

“Consequently, arrangements were made to transfer the assorted consignments into another empty truck before the vehicle was fully recovered,” he said.

Bakare-Oki particularly condemned speeding, describing it as a dangerous driving habit that significantly reduced a driver’s reaction time.

He also said speeding compromised vehicle stability and aggravated the severity of road traffic incidents, especially when unexpected mechanical failures occurred.

He maintained that the devastating consequences of the incident could potentially have been less severe had the truck been travelling at a reasonably controlled speed, notwithstanding the sudden tyre burst.

The general manager consequently issued a stern advisory to operators of heavy-duty vehicles, commercial transporters and other motorists, particularly during the ember months, to embrace responsible driving practices.

He also urged them to conduct regular mechanical inspections and pay close attention to tyre conditions, braking systems and other critical vehicle components before embarking on their journeys.