A statement by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, said the midnight accident involved a six-tyre Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number ABJ 37 AC, which was carrying various goods, including several sealed bags and newly branded event chairs.
According to the agency, security findings indicated that the truck was travelling at considerable speed when its front tyre suddenly burst, causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle to overturn.
The team cordoned off the accident location and evacuated the deceased from the busy road into an ambulance belonging to the Lagos State Emergency Medical Services, SEHMU.
The prompt intervention was aimed at removing the body from the carriageway and preventing another accident involving motorists approaching the scene.
The rescue operation also received support from personnel of the Pedro Police Division, who provided security, while officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service joined the emergency response.
To prevent further collisions and protect other road users, LASTMA officials placed traffic cones and emergency warning signs around the accident scene. The measures were also intended to improve visibility for approaching motorists and ensure the safe movement of traffic around the affected area.
The agency explained that the overturned truck could not be removed immediately because of the quantity and nature of the goods it was carrying.
It said arrangements were therefore made to transfer the consignments into another empty truck before the overturned vehicle could be recovered.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a painful and avoidable loss that highlighted the dangers of poor road safety practices.
Bakare-Oki specifically warned against excessive speeding, noting that it reduces drivers’ reaction time, affects vehicle stability, and can worsen road accidents, particularly when unexpected mechanical problems occur.
He said the consequences of the crash could have been less severe if the truck had been travelling at a controlled speed, despite the sudden tyre explosion.
The LASTMA boss consequently advised operators of heavy-duty vehicles, commercial transporters and other motorists to practise safe driving, especially during the ember months.
He urged drivers to carry out regular checks on their vehicles before setting out, with particular attention to tyre conditions, braking systems and other important vehicle components.
He also stressed that motorists must remain calm and apply proper vehicle-control techniques when faced with sudden mechanical problems, warning that excessive speed could turn a manageable vehicle fault into a fatal accident.
“Roadworthiness, speed moderation and strict compliance with established traffic regulations are indispensable prerequisites for safe motoring, particularly for operators conveying heavy consignments across densely populated urban highways,” Bakare-Oki said.
Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to maintaining regular traffic surveillance, responding quickly to emergencies, and working with other agencies to protect lives across Lagos State.
