A yet-to-be-identified person was killed, and two others were injured on Wednesday in a multiple-vehicle crash involving an articulated truck, a mini truck and two motorcycles along New Road by Coastal Road, inward Jakande, Lagos.
In a statement, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) attributed the fatal crash to excessive speeding by the driver of a Mack flat-bed articulated trailer.
According to the agency, preliminary findings showed that the trailer driver lost control while travelling at high speed and rammed into a moving Toyota mini truck. The impact caused the mini truck to somersault before crashing into one of the motorcycles.
One of the victims died at the scene, while two others sustained varying degrees of injury.
LASTMA officials and other emergency responders rescued the injured and evacuated them to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Officials of the traffic management agency, who were on routine patrol along the Coastal Road corridor, immediately secured the scene, controlled traffic and coordinated rescue operations.
The agency said relevant security agencies were notified, and a recovery truck was deployed to remove the wrecked Toyota mini truck from the road, ensuring the quick restoration of normal traffic flow along the route.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the loss of life as unfortunate, blaming the crash on the persistent violation of traffic regulations, particularly speeding.
He urged drivers, especially operators of articulated vehicles, to exercise restraint, remain vigilant and comply with prescribed speed limits at all times.
Bakare-Oki warned that reckless driving remains among the leading causes of fatal road crashes in Lagos and appealed to motorists to avoid dangerous manoeuvres and cultivate safe driving habits.
According to him, ‘collective responsibility and strict adherence to road safety protocols remain indispensable to ensuring a safer, more orderly and accident-free transportation environment in Lagos State.’