Two persons have lost their lives in separate accidents that occurred on Sunday along the LASU-Igando Road and the Osborne Expressway in Lagos State.
One of the incidents involved a truck that reportedly suffered brake failure along Simpson Street, inward Ikoyi, on the Osborne Expressway, killing a pedestrian on the spot.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq, the truck, which was travelling at high speed, experienced a sudden brake malfunction near the Traffic Light Junction.
“In a frantic effort to avert a collision with vehicles ahead, the driver lost control of the vehicle and, in the ensuing chaos, rammed into a pedestrian walking along the roadside, instantly killing the victim,” Taofiq said.
He noted that LASTMA officers swiftly responded to the scene, securing the area to prevent further accidents and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic.
The truck driver was apprehended by LASTMA operatives and handed over to the police from the Dolphin Estate and Ikoyi divisions for further investigation and prosecution. The victim’s body was also taken to a morgue in Ebute Metta, pending identification by relatives.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and reiterated the need for regular vehicle maintenance, especially for heavy-duty trucks.
Bakare-Oki said, “This unfortunate accident underscores the importance of routine vehicular inspection and maintenance. Drivers must ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy at all times and adhere strictly to traffic regulations.”
Meanwhile, another fatal crash reportedly occurred along the LASU-Igando Road on the same day, resulting in one death. Details of that accident were yet to be fully disclosed as of press time.