By Peace Udugba
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a tragic accident that occurred earlier today along the Ijora Causeway, inward Ijora 7Up. The incident involved an Apple-branded, fully loaded 40-foot container truck with registration number XP 368 AKD, which overturned onto a commercial tricycle bearing number KJA 364 QN, carrying unsuspecting passengers.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the articulated truck lost control while attempting a risky maneuver beneath the Ijora Bridge, leading to its collapse onto the tricycle. Sadly, two occupants of the tricycle — including a serving police officer — died instantly.
The remains of the police officer were taken to a morgue in Yaba by security personnel, while the grief-stricken family of the second victim, a female passenger, arrived at the scene to recover her body.
In a valiant rescue effort led by operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in collaboration with emergency responders, two additional victims — including the tricycle rider — were rescued alive from the wreckage. Both sustained severe bilateral leg fractures.
The injured were swiftly evacuated by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) to Jimsan Hospital, Gasikiya, Ijora, for immediate medical attention.
To prevent further chaos, joint security teams from the Badia, Trinity, and Kirikiri Police Divisions established strong security cordons around the scene. Their timely intervention quelled an agitated crowd attempting to set the overturned truck ablaze and ensured the safety of all emergency personnel involved in the operation.
LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased police officer and female passenger, describing the incident as profoundly tragic and deeply regrettable.
He also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the two surviving victims, who remain under intensive medical care.
Mr. Bakare-Oki commended the swift response and professionalism of all emergency and security agencies involved, praising their coordinated efforts that prevented further casualties and ensured the situation did not escalate.
LASTMA once again urges all truck operators and articulated vehicle drivers to exercise maximum caution—especially when navigating bridges, intersections, and high-traffic areas—in order to prevent the recurrence of such tragic and avoidable accidents.
