An auto crash along Iyana Meiran, inward Meiran Road, Lagos, has claimed two lives with three other persons injured in the accident.
Eyewitnesses said the crash occured when a Dangote Silo Mixer Truck suddenly lost control and rammed into a commercial mini-bus conveying some passengers.
Reports indicated that the impact of the collision was severe, causing significant damage to the vehicles involved.
It was gathered that emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene as paramedics provided medical assistance to the injured victims.
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that two people died due to the severity of their injuries, while three others were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.
Speaking on the incident, General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed that the truck driver took to his heels following the crash, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing truck driver
According to the LASTMA boss, when arrested, the driver would be made to face the full weight of the law when arrested.
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the tragic occurrence was triggered by a Dangote Silo Mixer Truck which suffered sudden brake failure and consequently lost control.
Offering detailed information on the crash, Mr Bakare-Oki said: “The runaway truck forcefully rammed into a commercial mini-bus, popularly referred to as Korope (EPP 541 YF) as well as four tricycles (Marwa) KTU 360 QN, LND 444 QL, LSR 444 QN, and EKY 122 QP. The violent impact culminated in extensive destruction, trapping commuters amid mangled vehicles and twisted wreckage.
“LASTMA personnel swiftly mobilised to the accident scene and with the invaluable assistance of public-spirited passersby, successfully rescued and evacuated three severely injured victims who were trapped within the crushed vehicles.
“To ensure the safety of responders and forestall secondary collisions, the Authority immediately cordoned off the entire corridor and instituted comprehensive traffic control and diversion measures.
“In line with established inter-agency emergency response protocols, security operatives from the Meiran Police Division were promptly notified by LASTMA Officers.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) personally led a team of officers to the crash site, providing crucial security reinforcement throughout the rescue and recovery operations.
“Regrettably, the driver of the Dangote Silo Mixer Truck absconded from the scene upon realising the gravity of the incident.
“All injured victims were expeditiously conveyed to Mobonke Hospital, Meiran Road, for urgent and intensive medical care while the remains of the two deceased persons were formally handed over to the Nigeria Police, who subsequently arranged conveyance with an ambulance.”
The General Manager, who reiterated LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to the preservation of lives and property on Lagos roads, re-emphasized the critical obligation of all motorists.
Particularly calling out operators of heavy-duty and articulated vehicles, he said they should always ensure their braking systems and other vital mechanical components are thoroughly inspected and certified roadworthy before embarking on any journey.
