TRUCK DRIVER LOSES CONTROL, INJURES LASTMA OFFICER IN LAGOS (PHOTOS)

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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has criticized the reckless driving of a truck driver whose excessive speed caused a serious accident at the Ojodu Berger area of Lagos, injuring a LASTMA officer.

In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, LASTMA revealed that the incident took place while the officer was on his way to begin his afternoon shift.

According to the statement, the fully loaded truck, with Bauchi State registration number KTG 33 ZZ, was traveling from Agidingbi by Oba Ogunji Road towards Omole Junction in the Ogba corridor when the driver, operating at an excessive speed, lost control and crashed.

“The impact of the crash caused severe injuries to the LASTMA officer, resulting in multiple fractures to his right leg and hand,” the statement reads. “Following an emergency medical assessment at the Surgical Emergency Centre of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), doctors determined that his right leg required immediate amputation.”

The press release further revealed that the driver attempted to flee the scene after the accident but was quickly apprehended through joint efforts by security personnel from the Ojodu Police Station and LASTMA officials.

LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who visited the injured officer at LASUTH, condemned the incident, emphasising the importance of responsible driving.

“This tragic accident could have been avoided if the driver had observed basic road safety measures,” he said. “Trailer and truck drivers must exercise caution and recognize the value of human life.”

Bakare-Oki also reiterated that LASTMA officers are on the roads to ensure smooth traffic flow and should not be seen as adversaries by motorists.

“LASTMA remains committed to road safety and maintaining order on Lagos highways,” he added, while expressing his wishes for the officer’s swift recovery.