A tragic accident on a busy Lagos road has left two people dead and three others with critical injuries. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, December 17, was caused by a speeding truck that suffered a catastrophic brake failure.
Details of the Meiran Road Collision
The crash happened at Iyana Meiran, near the Meiran Primary Health Centre. According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), a Silo Mixer Truck, reportedly moving at high speed, lost control after its braking system malfunctioned.
The runaway vehicle first smashed into a commercial minibus, commonly known as a 'Korope,' before plowing into four tricycles. The force of the impact caused severe damage, trapping several commuters within the twisted wreckage of the vehicles.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
LASTMA officials arrived swiftly at the scene and immediately began rescue operations with assistance from bystanders. Three victims were pulled from the damaged vehicles and given emergency first aid.
Olalekan Bakare Oki, the General Manager of LASTMA, confirmed the grim toll. "Two commuters lost their lives at the scene," he stated, adding that preliminary investigation pointed to a combination of mechanical failure and excessive speed as the primary cause.
To manage the situation and prevent further accidents, traffic officials cordoned off the affected section of Meiran Road and diverted vehicles to alternative routes. Officers from the Meiran Police Division were also alerted and provided security during the recovery process.
Aftermath and Calls for Safety
The three injured victims were rushed to Mobonke Hospital on Meiran Road for urgent medical treatment. The bodies of the two deceased were handed over to the police for proper procedures.
Authorities noted a significant complication in the case: the truck driver fled the scene shortly after the crash, evading immediate accountability.
In the wake of the tragedy, the LASTMA boss issued a stern reminder to all motorists. He urged drivers to respect speed limits and ensure their vehicles are properly maintained, emphasizing that many fatal crashes are preventable. "Many fatal crashes could be avoided if drivers addressed mechanical faults promptly," Bakare Oki said. He also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.
This incident underscores the persistent challenges of road safety and vehicle maintenance on Nigeria's busy highways, particularly in a metropolis like Lagos.
