By Eseohe Solomon
On July 8, 2024— A devastating accident in Lagos this morning claimed the life of a woman riding a motorcycle, locally known as okada, when a truck lost control and fell from the Iganmu bridge, crushing the victim beneath it.
The incident, reported by Sola Giwa, special adviser on transportation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, occurred at approximately 6:15 am at the Sifax area, on the inward route to the Iganmu bridge. According to Giwa, the truck driver was unable to maintain control of the vehicle, resulting in it plummeting onto the unsuspecting motorcyclist below.
“Early this morning, operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency responders recovered the body of a female biker trapped under a loaded containerized truck in Lagos,” Giwa stated.
Following the tragic event, emergency services swiftly responded, including the deployment of the LASEMA Response Unit (LRU), to assist in the rescue operation and manage the aftermath. The driver of the truck reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident.
Giwa confirmed that the deceased has been identified and her body evacuated from the scene, while efforts were made to clear the containerized truck to minimize traffic disruptions.
Preliminary investigations into the incident suggest that excessive speeding on the part of the truck driver contributed to the accident, emphasizing ongoing concerns regarding road safety and traffic management in Lagos.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by commuters, particularly vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, on Lagos roads. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the accident to come forward as investigations continue.
As Lagos continues to grow and traffic conditions evolve, there is increasing pressure on authorities to enhance enforcement of traffic regulations and improve road safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
