A fully loaded six-tyre truck on Saturday plunged off the Oshodi Bridge in Lagos after reportedly suffering brake failure, leaving one man severely injured.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said its operatives swiftly intervened to rescue the victim and restore traffic in the area.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the truck, with registration number AKD 135 YK, was laden with toner printing materials when it lost control while descending the Oshodi-Oke bridge inward Mile 2 and fell into the terminal ditch below.
Taofiq said the incident was a result of a critical mechanical failure that caused the vehicle to skid off the carriageway before tumbling into the terminal.
“Upon arrival, the officers immediately commenced rescue operations and successfully extricated a male victim who sustained grievous injuries in the accident. The injured man was taken to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, while the driver was apprehended and handed over to security operatives from Makinde Police Station, Oshodi, for further investigation,” the statement read.
He added that the prompt and coordinated efforts of LASTMA officials prevented further casualties and secondary accidents, as they diverted traffic and cleared the wreckage.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Bakare Oki, commended the operatives for their swift and professional response, noting that their actions reflected the agency’s dedication to protecting lives and ensuring safety on Lagos roads, especially during the ember months when accident risks are higher.
Oki disclosed that heavy-duty recovery vehicles and mini trucks had been strategically deployed across the five administrative divisions of Lagos, supported by over 2,700 personnel stationed at key traffic points for quick emergency response.
He urged motorists to maintain their vehicles regularly and adhere strictly to traffic regulations.
The Oshodi area, particularly the busy Oshodi-Apapa Expressway corridor, serves as a major transport hub in Lagos and frequently experiences traffic gridlocks due to heavy-duty trucks and mechanical faults such as brake failure and tyre bursts — which remain a leading cause of road accidents in Nigeria.