Tragedy struck in Lagos in separate fatal accidents on Monday, when a truck belonging to Dangote Groups, crushed at least three persons to death when the driver rammed into a commercial tricycle and a stationary Toyota Camry car at the Ayeyoro traffic light before veering into the Ayetoro Market Complex, in Epe area of the State.
The unfortunate accident resulted in the fatalities of yet to be identified tricycle driver and two students from Manpower Technical School, Epe.
According to reports by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, the tragic incident which claimed three individuals, happened midday, at Ayetoro, Epe.
LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed that the accident involved a Dangote truck, (DCG-TM-028), which experienced a critical brake failure while descending from Ita-Opo.
The out-of-control vehicle collided with a tricycle (Marwa AGL 442 QC) and a stationary Toyota Camry at the Ayetoro traffic light before veering into the Market Complex in Epe.
First responders from LASTMA, with the assistance of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, swiftly arrived at the scene of the incident to secure the area. The deceased were subsequently, conveyed to the Epe General Hospital Mortuary.
Bakare-Oki, added that prompt efforts were made to clear the wreckage, including the Dangote truck to restore normalcy and alleviate traffic congestion as well as safeguard other road users.
In a separate but related incident, another accident happened at Ijaye, inward Abule-Egba. The crash involved an LT Bus (FKJ 762 AD) and a Toyota Hiace Bus (MUS 154 YE), which was also attributed to brake system failure.
“LASTMA personnel acted swiftly, extricating the driver and two passengers, who were then urgently conveyed to a nearby medical facility for treatment,” Bakare-Oki stated.
Additionally, LASTMA officers successfully rescued three individuals, two females and one male from a multi-vehicle collision at Tsunami Bridge, inward Ketu.
This accident, involving two Volkswagen commercial buses (LSD 483 CT & AGL 267) and a 10-tyre DAF truck, left victims with varying degrees of injuries.
They were promptly conveyed to a nearby hospital for immediate medical intervention, while officers from Alapere Police Station provided essential security support during the rescue operations.
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Bakare-Oki, reiterated the importance of vehicular maintenance, urging all motorists to diligently ensure that their vehicles, particularly the braking systems are in optimal condition before setting out on any journey.
“Regular maintenance checks are crucial to preventing such calamitous incidents and preserving lives,” he stressed.