Driver killed as container-laden truck crushes minibus in Lagos

A commercial minibus driver has lost his life after a container-laden truck crushed his vehicle.

The accident occurred along Old Ipaja road in Lagos on Sunday.

Three passengers — two females and a male — were rescued unhurt.

A statement by Adebayo Taofiq, spokesperson of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), said the 40-foot Mack containerised truck developed brake failure before crushing the minibus.

Taofiq said the driver died after the collision.

The LASTMA spokesperson said the truck driver attempted to flee from the scene but was apprehended by the agency’s personnel.

“The catastrophic collision involved a fully-laden 40-foot Mack containerized truck (MUS 729 XY), which, reportedly due to catastrophic brake failure, toppled onto a commercial minibus — colloquially referred to as ‘Korope’,” the statement reads.

“Tragically, the devastating impact led to the instantaneous death of the minibus driver, whose life was abruptly cut short in the line of duty.

“In a remarkable display of courage and promptitude, LASTMA officers deployed along the corridor swiftly mobilized and rescued three passengers — two females and one male — unhurt but were immediately handed over to medical emergency responders for clinical attention.

“The fallen articulated truck obstructed over 50 percent of the arterial carriageway, precipitating a substantial traffic backlog that rippled across adjoining routes, notably Shofunde and Olufunlayo.

“LASTMA operatives immediately instituted comprehensive traffic diversion and control protocols to alleviate the congestion and maintain orderliness.

“It is worthy of note that the truck driver, in a failed attempt to abscond from the scene, was apprehended by vigilant LASTMA Officers and promptly transferred to security personnel from both the Elere and Area ‘G’ Police divisions, who had been duly notified by LASTMA officials.”