A driver of a Toyota Camry (registration number LSR 293 HJ) narrowly escaped death on Monday after a loaded 40-foot container fell onto his car at Mile 2, en route to Apapa, Lagos State.
According to a statement by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the driver was rescued alive through the prompt and coordinated efforts of LASTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
“The victim received immediate medical attention after being rushed to the hospital by the joint rescue team,” the statement read. Officers from the Kirikiri Police Division provided security during the operation, ensuring an orderly environment for the emergency responders. Following the successful rescue, the Toyota Camry was removed from beneath the container.
Efforts to evacuate the fallen container are ongoing, while LASTMA officers manage the scene to ease traffic congestion and restore normalcy in the area.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, highlighted the critical importance of properly securing containers on trucks to prevent such incidents. He urged truck drivers and owners to adhere strictly to road safety protocols, emphasizing that negligence puts lives and property at significant risk.
“LASTMA remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Lagos roadways. We will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to enforce traffic laws and enhance public safety,” Bakare-Oki said.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by improperly secured cargo and the vital role of road safety compliance in preventing tragedies.
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