TWO drivers have every reason to thank God as they escaped death by the whiskers when a fully-loaded truck overturned at Second Gate, inward Mile 2, along Lagos-Badagry Expressway yesterday, Thursday, 26 September 2024.
The two survivors were the truck driver and the man behind the wheels of a black Toyota Spot Utility Vehicle marked AAA 144 GU, which narrowly escaped being trapped by the ill-fated truck.
In a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq, the accident was at the instance of the truck driver, who was attempting to manoeuvre amid top speed.
The ill-fated truck driver, according to Adebayo, sustained severe injuries and was swiftly rescued by LASTMA officials, who rushed him to Apapa General Hospital for immediate medical attention.
“The driver of the Toyota SUV miraculously escaped unharmed, despite his vehicle nearly being crushed by the 40-foot container”, the statement disclosed, adding that policemen from Tin-Can Port were, throughout the rescue operation, on hand to provide security and ensure the safety of those involved.
Another early responders at the scene, contacted by the LASTMA rescue team, was the Hakeem Adeosun-led Response Unit of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), which provided additional support during the evacuation operation.
Meanwhile, the General Manager of LASTMA Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has extended his heartfelt sympathy to the injured truck driver and wished him a speedy recovery.
He also stressed the need for truck drivers to exercise greater caution, reminding them of the critical importance of safety on the road, especially when transporting large and heavy loads.
“LASTMA remains committed to safeguarding all road users and will continue to enforce traffic laws, to prevent similar incidents in the future“, the statement concluded.
Eighteen-Eleven Media