Trailer Operator Dies In Otedola Bridge Collision

A tragic road accident involving multiple articulated vehicles occurred Friday morning at Otedola Bridge inward Secretariat, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, and temporarily crippled vehicular movement.

The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed this in a statement noting that the incident was occasioned by a reckless contest for right of way.

“The principal incident involved a violent collision between two heavy-duty trailers one laden with sand and the other conveying granite reportedly occasioned by a reckless contest for right of way.

“The forceful impact led to devastating consequences, resulting in the entrapment of the driver of the sand-laden trailer, who sustained fatal injuries and was later confirmed dead,” Taofiq said in a statement.

He added that the driver of the sand-laden trailer sustained injuries and was later confirmed dead after being trapped.

According to him, operatives LASTMA Rescue Team, while on routine nocturnal surveillance and incident monitoring, responded with commendable alacrity, leading to professional extrication of the trapped victim who was immediately transferred to personnel of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), and conveyed to the General Hospital, Ikeja, where he was pronounced dead.

LASMA boss, however, noted that the driver of the second trailer escaped unhurt.

He further stated that in a related development, another traffic incident was recorded approximately 50 metres from the primary crash site, where a separate trailer fully loaded with flour lost stability and overturned, further aggravating traffic congestion along the already compromised corridor.

According to him, security operatives from the Alausa Police Division were deployed to the scene to provide security cover, manage crowd control and support ongoing rescue and recovery operations.

However, he noted that the incidents obstructed nearly 80 per cent of the carriageway and compelled the implementation of extensive traffic control and diversion measures.

“Consequently, motorists travelling inward Lagos from the Mowe, Kara Bridge and Redemption Camp axis were redirected through the Ojodu–Olole route, connecting Agidingbi, Coca-Cola, Secretariat, and 7-Up to enable continued movement towards Gbagada or Ojota with minimal inconvenience,” he stated.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, described the crashes as regrettable and largely preventable.

He stressed that strict compliance with traffic regulations and the observance of mutual courtesy among motorists remain indispensable in averting such needless loss of life.

Giwa extended condolences to the family of the deceased driver, praying for fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He also commended the response of LASTMA operatives, LASAMBUS personnel and security agencies in managing the emergency.

The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to road safety and urged all motorists particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles to exercise restraint, professionalism and strict adherence to traffic laws in order to safeguard lives and property across the state.