A Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) operative, popularly known as Baba Ibeji, has been critically injured after a loaded container truck lost control and crushed him along the Offin Canal corridor inward Eko Bridge.
The incident occurred in the early hours at Oja Junction when the truck, reportedly speeding, suffered a brake failure while descending the CMS Bridge en route to Eko Bridge.
Eyewitnesses said the truck rammed into the LAWMA worker who was clearing refuse at the road median before crashing into a Toyota Camry with registration number FST 417 FS.
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) swiftly responded to the scene and rescued the injured operative from beneath the wreckage, a move the agency said prevented a fatal outcome.
The victim was initially rushed by colleagues to Fuja Hospital but was rejected due to the severity of his injuries. He was subsequently transferred to the General Hospital, where he is currently receiving urgent medical care.
The truck driver reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash. However, LASTMA officers arrested the motor boy and handed him over to police officers led by the Divisional Traffic Officer of the Ebute Ero Police Division for further investigation.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, condemned the reckless driving that led to the accident and ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine liability and possible prosecution.
Giwa also commended LASTMA officers for their prompt intervention and expressed sympathy to the family of the injured LAWMA worker, praying for his speedy recovery.
He reiterated the Lagos State Government’s zero tolerance for reckless driving, particularly by drivers of articulated vehicles, while LASTMA urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, adhere to speed limits and drive with caution to prevent avoidable accidents.