The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says a containerised truck knocked down a Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) worker at Oja junction, along the Offin Canal, inward Eko Bridge corridor.
Adebayo Taofiq, director of the public affairs and enlightenment department of LASTMA, said the incident occurred on Friday morning while the LAWMA operative, identified as Baba Ibeji, was carrying out refuse evacuation duties.
He said preliminary findings showed that the truck, which was reportedly speeding, suffered brake failure while descending the CMS Bridge linking Offin Canal to Eko Bridge, causing the driver to lose control.
According to Taofiq, the truck hit the LAWMA worker before ramming into a Toyota Camry with registration number FST 417 FS.
He said LASTMA officers on routine traffic monitoring in the area rescued the injured worker from beneath the truck, and rushed him to a hospital, where he was rejected due to the severity of his injuries.
Taofiq noted that the victim was later transferred to the General Hospital for further treatment.
The LATSMA spokesperson said the truck driver fled the scene, but the truck assistant was arrested and handed over to the Ebute-Ero police division for investigation.
Sola Giwa, special adviser to the governor on transportation, condemned the reckless driving that led to the crash and ordered a full investigation to determine liability and possible prosecution.
Giwa commended LASTMA officers and other emergency responders for their prompt intervention, saying their actions prevented a fatality.
He expressed sympathy with the family of the injured LAWMA worker and reiterated the Lagos state government’s zero-tolerance stance on reckless driving, particularly by operators of articulated vehicles.
LASTMA urged motorists, especially truck drivers, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and adhere to speed limits to prevent accidents.
