Truck Plunges Off Oshodi Bridge, One Injured as LASTMA Swiftly Responds
By Emmanuel Daniji
A tragic accident shook parts of Lagos on Saturday when a fully loaded six-tyre truck carrying printing materials plunged off the Oshodi Bridge, leaving one man severely injured. The truck, with registration number AKD 135 YK, reportedly suffered a brake failure while descending from Oshodi-Oke toward Mile 2, causing it to lose control, veer off the bridge, and crash into the terminal below.
Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were among the first responders on the scene. They quickly launched rescue operations, freeing the trapped victim and rushing him to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. The truck driver was immediately arrested and handed over to the Makinde Police Station in Oshodi for further investigation into the cause of the malfunction and other possible factors behind the crash.
Confirming the incident, Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, commended the operatives’ swift action, noting that their prompt response helped prevent a greater tragedy.
“It could have resulted in multiple casualties, but our men acted quickly to control the situation, clear the wreckage, and divert traffic,” he said.
The affected section of the road was temporarily cordoned off to ensure safety, while vehicular movement was diverted to alternative routes. Normal traffic flow was restored shortly after the truck was removed from the crash site.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised the professionalism of his officers, reiterating the agency’s commitment to public safety and emergency management. He also cautioned motorists to conduct routine maintenance checks, especially during the Ember Months, when the number of road crashes typically increases.
“We are appealing to all drivers, particularly operators of articulated and heavy-duty vehicles, to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before hitting Lagos roads,” Bakare-Oki warned.
This latest crash has reignited concerns about the rising frequency of mechanical failures among heavy-duty trucks operating across Lagos. According to LASTMA’s data, between January and September 2025, the state recorded 1,667 road crashes, resulting in 87 deaths and 6,666 injuries. Nearly 60 percent of these accidents occurred along major routes such as the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Ikorodu Road.
Transportation experts and safety advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of vehicle inspection regulations and enhanced driver training programs to prevent further tragedies on Lagos roads.
