Bella Ifasola
The driver of a Toyota Camry on Monday escaped death after a 40-ft loaded container fell on it at Mile 2, en route to Apapa, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority said.
LASTMA’s spokesman Adebayo Taofiq said the driver was rescued alive through the swift and coordinated response of LASTMA and other emergency services, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
“The victim received immediate medical attention after being rushed to the hospital by the joint rescue team. Security during the operation was effectively maintained by Officers from the Kirikiri Police Division, who ensured a secure and orderly environment for the emergency responders. Following the rescue, the Toyota Camry was successfully removed from beneath the container,” Adebayo Taofiq said in a statement.
According to Taofiq, efforts to evacuate the fallen container are in full swing, while LASTMA officers continue to manage the scene to ease traffic congestion and restore normalcy.
LASTMA’s General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki reiterated the critical importance of proper container securing by truck drivers and owners.
Bakare-Oki stressed that negligence in this regard endangers lives and property, urging strict compliance with road safety protocols to avert such catastrophic occurrences.
“LASTMA remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Lagos roadways and continues to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to uphold traffic laws and enhance public safety,” he said.