One person sustained serious injuries on Saturday when a fully loaded truck plunged off the Oshodi Bridge in Lagos State.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement, saying its operatives responded swiftly to rescue the injured man.
According to the statement signed by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, the six-tyre truck, with registration number AKD 135 YK, fell into a terminal ditch while descending from Oshodi-Oke inward Mile 2.
Preliminary findings revealed that the truck, reportedly carrying toner printing materials, suffered a brake failure while descending the bridge, causing it to lose control, skid off the carriageway, and tumble into the terminal below.
“The unfortunate incident, which could have resulted in multiple casualties, was swiftly contained through the prompt, professional, and coordinated intervention of LASTMA personnel, who arrived at the scene within minutes to rescue victims, manage traffic, and prevent escalation,” the statement read.
LASTMA said its officers immediately began rescue operations upon arrival and successfully extricated the victim, who was then rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment.
The driver of the truck was arrested and handed over to officers of the Makinde Police Station, Oshodi, for further investigation into the brake failure and other contributing factors.
To prevent secondary accidents and ensure the safety of other motorists, LASTMA operatives cordoned off the area, diverted traffic, and supervised the removal of the wreckage, restoring traffic flow within a short time.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Bakare Oki, commended the officers for their professionalism and quick response, praising their adherence to safety protocols and commitment to maintaining order during emergencies.