A man was rescued in the early hours of Saturday after a 40-foot container-laden truck crushed a Toyota Sienna minivan along Ikorodu Road, near the Idi-Iroko axis, inbound Maryland.
The crash, which occurred around 1:30 a.m., involved a white Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSR 267 GZ and a fully loaded Mack truck.
Preliminary investigations suggest the truck suffered a brake failure, likely caused by excessive speed. The malfunction caused the driver to lose control, leading the container to topple from the trailer and land on the minivan.
Operatives from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) responded swiftly following emergency calls.
LASTMA’s midnight surveillance and rescue team, equipped with advanced rescue tools, carried out a delicate extraction process that led to the successful rescue of a male occupant trapped in the vehicle.
The victim, whose name was not disclosed, received prompt medical attention from LASAMBUS officials and was reported to be in stable condition.
The truck driver fled the scene shortly after the accident, apparently out of fear of mob attack or possible legal consequences, mistakenly assuming the crash had resulted in a fatality.
The severely damaged minivan was later moved to the Anthony Police Station, while the truck and fallen container were impounded by LASTMA and transported to the agency’s operational headquarters for further investigation.
LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed relief over the victim’s survival and commended the rescue team’s professionalism.
“This deeply distressing incident highlights, yet again, the perilous consequences of mechanical laxity, reckless driving, and habitual speeding on our roads.”
He urged all truck operators to prioritize vehicle safety and ensure roadworthiness before setting out, especially in densely populated urban areas.
Bakare-Oki also called for stricter adherence to vehicular maintenance protocols and traffic regulations to prevent avoidable tragedies.