The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has urged motorists to always adhere to statutory speed limits and ensure regular maintenance of heavy-duty braking systems.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made the appeal on Wednesday in Lagos.
Bakare-Oki was reacting to a multi-vehicle collision involving a six-tyre trailer (AGL 514 XD), Honda Pilot (FST 992 DV), Toyota Camry (EKY 753 JA), and an unregistered tricycle.
He said the accident took place at Ekoro Junction inward Ile-Iwe.
Bakare-Oki said that a tricycle operator lost his life on the spot, while two other individuals (male and female) sustained grievous bodily injuries.
“Preliminary investigations by security operatives revealed that the calamity was triggered by a mechanical brake failure in the fully loaded trailer, whose driver consequently lost operational control of the vehicle.
“The trailer, in its uncontrollable descent, crushed the tricycle beyond recognition, before colliding with a Honda Pilot and eventually vaulting over the median to smash into a Toyota Camry and adjacent property on the opposing lane,” he said.
He said LASTMA officials that arrived at the scene promptly rescued two severely trapped victims after confirming the instantaneous death of the tricycle operator.
“The accident scene was immediately cordoned off to forestall secondary incidents and facilitate a seamless emergency operation.
“LASTMA personnel swiftly notified relevant emergency agencies, including operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit.
“Thereafter, security officers from the Ile-Epo Police Division conveyed the deceased tricycle operator, alongside the two critically injured survivors to the General Hospital, Ile-Epo, for urgent medical attention and proper procedural documentation,” he said.
Bakare-Oki said during the rescue and evacuation efforts, LASTMA operatives rerouted vehicular flow through Iyana-Meran via Ajasa command, thereby easing congestion and sustaining vehicular orderliness along the corridor.
He said the thoroughfare was subsequently reopened to traffic after the mangled vehicles and the trailer were successfully evacuated to the Ile-Epo Police Station for further investigation.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased tricycle operator, while offering prayers for the swift and complete recovery of the injured victims.
He admonished all motorists particularly operators of articulated and heavy-duty vehicles to exercise utmost caution, ensure frequent mechanical inspections, and observe all safety protocols.
Bakare-Oki said reckless driving and mechanical negligence remain the leading causes of preventable road tragedies in Lagos State.