A passenger has died after a fully loaded truck overturned around the TREM axis of Gbagada, inward Oshodi, Lagos State, following a sudden tyre burst that caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
A statement by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, said the midnight accident involved a six-tyre Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number ABJ 37 AC, which was carrying various goods, including several sealed bags and newly branded event chairs.
According to the agency, security findings indicated that the truck was travelling at considerable speed when its front tyre suddenly burst, causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle to overturn.
During the struggle to regain control of the truck, an elderly male passenger seated in the front cabin was thrown out of the vehicle.
He reportedly hit his head against a sharp object, resulting in his immediate death.
LASTMA said its Night Rescue Team, which was carrying out surveillance along major traffic routes across the state, quickly mobilised to the scene after the incident.
The team cordoned off the accident location and evacuated the deceased from the busy road into an ambulance belonging to the Lagos State Emergency Medical Services(SEHMU).
The prompt intervention was aimed at removing the body from the carriageway and preventing another accident involving motorists approaching the scene.
The rescue operation also received support from personnel of the Pedro Police Division, who provided security, while officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service joined the emergency response.
To prevent further collisions and protect other road users, LASTMA officials placed traffic cones and emergency warning signs around the accident scene.
The measures were also intended to improve visibility for approaching motorists and ensure the safe movement of traffic around the affected area.
The agency explained that the overturned truck could not be removed immediately because of the quantity and nature of the goods it was carrying.
It said arrangements were therefore made to transfer the consignments into another empty truck before the overturned vehicle could be recovered.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, warning against speeding.
The LASTMA boss consequently advised operators of heavy-duty vehicles, commercial transporters and other motorists to practise safe driving, especially during the ember months.
“Roadworthiness, speed moderation and strict compliance with established traffic regulations are indispensable prerequisites for safe motoring, particularly for operators conveying heavy consignments across densely populated urban highways,” Bakare-Oki said.
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