DRIVER NARROWLY ESCAPES AS TRUCK CATCHES FIRE NEAR OTEDOLA BRIDGE IN LAGOS
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By: Muftau Fatimo
An unidentified driver narrowly escaped death on Saturday evening after a truck was completely gutted by fire at the Alausa Secretariat inward Otedola Bridge axis along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The incident happened just hours after a similar tragedy along the Lekki-Epe corridor, where two people a driver and his assistant lost their lives in an explosion involving a trailer and a gas truck.
Reacting to the Otedola Bridge incident, the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, stated in a release on Sunday that the fire involved a Mack truck conveying an empty 20-foot container.
Preliminary assessments reveal that the vehicle abruptly ignited while in motion, thereby constituting an immediate and grave threat to adjoining road users and critical infrastructure within the corridor.
Demonstrating exceptional vigilance, professionalism, and swift response, LASTMA officials quickly arrived at the scene.
“Their primary objective the preservation of life was accomplished, as the truck driver was safely rescued and escaped the fire unhurt,” he said.
Given the high-risk nature of the location, particularly around the Otedola Bridge corridor, Bakare-Oki said LASTMA operatives activated emergency response protocols and collaborated with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
The coordinated effort enabled the rapid containment of the fire, preventing it from escalating into a major disaster.
He added that the prompt response curtailed the spread of the flames and facilitated the quick restoration of traffic, minimising disruption for commuters along the route.
Bakare-Oki praised the operatives for their professionalism and calm handling of the situation, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Motorists were also urged to carry out regular mechanical and electrical checks on their vehicles and to drive with caution to avoid similar incidents.
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