A fatal accident involving a 40-foot containerized Mack truck and a Toyota Sienna minivan occurred at about 1:30 a.m. today along Idi-Iroko, inbound Maryland on Ikorodu Road, Lagos. The prompt intervention by officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) was crucial in preventing additional casualties and restoring normalcy at the scene.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident was triggered by a mechanical failure — a suspected brake malfunction — that caused the articulated truck to lose control while approaching the Maryland-bound corridor at high speed. The vehicle’s container detached and overturned, crushing a white Toyota Sienna minivan (registration number: LSR 267 GZ) completely beneath its weight.
LASTMA’s midnight surveillance and rescue unit, responding swiftly to emergency calls, arrived at the scene with specialized equipment and began an intensive extraction operation. Their coordinated effort resulted in the successful rescue of a male passenger who had been trapped in the wreckage. He was promptly stabilized and treated by operatives from the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).
Tragically, the driver of the truck fled the scene, likely out of fear for his safety or legal consequences, under the mistaken assumption that there were no survivors. Authorities have since impounded the truck and detached container, which have been relocated to LASTMA’s operational base for further investigation. The mangled remains of the minivan have been towed to the Anthony Police Station.
LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the professionalism and speed of the rescue team. He emphasized the importance of pre-trip safety checks, particularly for articulated trucks and commercial haulage vehicles, which pose serious risks when improperly maintained.
“This incident reinforces the urgent need for operators of heavy-duty vehicles to ensure their trucks are roadworthy and driven responsibly, especially at night when visibility is reduced and reaction times are critical,” Bakare-Oki said.
He also warned of the devastating impact of mechanical negligence and habitual speeding, calling for stricter adherence to road safety regulations across the haulage and logistics sector.
While expressing relief that one life was saved, Bakare-Oki praised the efforts of emergency responders who worked from 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. to clear the wreckage, rescue the victim, and restore the free flow of traffic.
LASTMA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safety and traffic integrity throughout Lagos, urging all motorists—especially drivers of heavy-duty vehicles—to exercise vigilance, maintain their vehicles, and comply with traffic regulations at all times.