In the early hours of Saturday, tragedy struck along the Idi-Iroko stretch inbound Maryland on Ikorodu Road, Lagos, as a devastating collision between a 40-foot container-laden Mack truck and a Toyota Sienna minivan (reg. no. LSR 267 GZ) led to catastrophic damage and near loss of life.
The crash, which occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m., was reportedly caused by a mechanical failure—specifically brake malfunction—on the part of the speeding truck. The malfunction caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the massive container detaching and forcefully toppling onto the Sienna, crushing it completely beneath its weight.
Responding with urgency and precision, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) midnight surveillance and rescue team arrived at the scene following multiple distress calls. With the aid of specialized rescue tools, the officers launched a painstaking operation that lasted several hours.
In what can only be described as a miraculous turn of events, a male occupant trapped inside the wrecked minivan was successfully extracted alive and immediately attended to by medical personnel from the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).
Sadly, the driver of the truck fled the scene, possibly fearing for his safety or anticipating arrest due to the grave nature of the crash. Authorities believe his escape was driven by panic and the assumption that there were no survivors.
Post-rescue, the heavily damaged minivan was towed to the Anthony Police Station, while the container truck and its cargo were impounded and moved to LASTMA’s operational base for further investigation and enforcement action.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep relief that at least one life was saved and commended the rescue team for their unwavering courage and professionalism.
“This horrific accident underscores the urgent need for regular maintenance checks on articulated trucks and all commercial vehicles plying our roads. Mechanical failures, speeding, and recklessness continue to pose fatal risks to innocent road users,” he said.
Mr. Bakare-Oki urged fleet owners and drivers to prioritize roadworthiness before any journey, especially during night-time transits when dangers are compounded by low visibility and reduced emergency response times.
He extended heartfelt wishes for the victim’s full recovery and praised the resolve of the rescue officers who worked from 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. to recover the scene and restore traffic flow.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reiterates its firm commitment to saving lives, ensuring traffic safety, and promoting responsibility on all Lagos roads. The agency calls on all road users—particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles—to obey traffic rules and drive with caution at all times.