A tragic road accident in Lagos has claimed the life of a motorist, while his wife sustained critical injuries after a granite-laden truck overturned and crushed their vehicle at Eleko Junction along the Lekki–Ajah Expressway.
The fatal crash occurred on Thursday morning, according to a statement issued by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Brake Failure Causes Deadly Lagos Truck Accident
In a statement signed by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, preliminary investigations revealed that the articulated truck was heavily loaded with granite and travelling at excessive speed from the Epe axis.
According to the agency, the truck reportedly suffered a catastrophic brake failure as it approached Eleko Junction.
The mechanical malfunction led to a sudden loss of control, causing the truck to veer off course and slam into a Toyota saloon car heading inward Epe from the Ajah axis.
Truck Overturns, Crushes Car
The impact of the collision caused the truck to overturn, crushing the smaller vehicle and trapping the male driver inside the wreckage.
Officials of LASTMA and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), assisted by bystanders, carried out an emergency rescue operation. The driver was, however, confirmed dead at the scene.
His wife, who sustained life-threatening injuries, was rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Truck Driver Flees Scene
Authorities disclosed that the truck driver fled immediately after the crash. Operatives of the Akodo Police Division were on ground to provide security during the rescue efforts.
LASTMA Urges Proper Vehicle Maintenance
Reacting to the tragic incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the crash as avoidable.
He stressed the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, especially for articulated trucks, and warned drivers against reckless driving and speeding on major highways such as the Lekki–Ajah Expressway.
The incident has once again raised concerns about heavy-duty truck safety, brake failure accidents, and road traffic enforcement in Lagos State.
