The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued a Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) operative after he was struck by a speeding truck along Offin Canal, heading toward Eko Bridge.
The incident was confirmed by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, in a statement released on Friday in Lagos.
Giwa said the heavily laden container truck hit the LAWMA worker, identified as Mr. Baba Ibeji, while he was performing his lawful refuse evacuation duties.
“Preliminary investigative findings indicate that the articulated vehicle, reportedly speeding, suffered a brake system failure while descending the CMS Bridge connecting Offin Canal to Eko Bridge. This mechanical failure precipitated a loss of control, culminating in the truck forcefully mowing down the LAWMA worker before further ramming into and crushing a Toyota Camry with registration number FST 417 FS,” he said.
LASTMA personnel stationed along the corridor for traffic surveillance quickly extricated the grievously injured LAWMA operative from beneath the truck wreckage. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital in Fuja but was refused admission due to the severity of his injuries. He was subsequently referred to the General Hospital for urgent specialist medical treatment.
Giwa condemned the truck driver for absconding the scene immediately after the crash. However, LASTMA operatives were able to apprehend the truck assistant (motor boy), who was handed over to security personnel from the Ebute-Ero Police Division to facilitate further investigation.
He added that the reckless and irresponsible conduct of the truck driver was unacceptable and directed relevant security agencies to conduct exhaustive investigations, with a comprehensive report to guide possible prosecution under the law.
