A fortunate escape was made by the driver of a Toyota Camry after a 40-foot-laden container fell onto the vehicle at Mile 2, Lagos, on Monday morning.
The accident, which occurred around 8 a.m., could have been fatal, but thanks to a quick and coordinated response from emergency services, the driver survived with immediate medical care.
The incident took place on the busy route leading to the Apapa Ports. Eyewitnesses reported that the container fell from a truck onto the Toyota Camry, trapping the car beneath it.
Despite the severe nature of the accident, the driver, whose identity remains unknown, was swiftly rescued by a joint team of responders from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
The victim was promptly attended to and transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment. A statement from emergency services confirmed that the victim was in stable condition following the timely intervention.
Security during the rescue operation was managed by officers from the Kirikiri Police Division, who ensured that the scene remained secure and allowed the emergency responders to carry out their duties without interference.
By 9:30 a.m., the Toyota Camry had been successfully removed from under the container, but the truck’s cargo continued to block a major part of the road.
LASTMA officers were actively managing the scene, directing traffic to ease congestion and working to clear the fallen container. Efforts to evacuate the large container were already underway by the time normal traffic flow was partially restored.
In a statement after the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, emphasized the importance of ensuring proper container securing, particularly by truck drivers and transport companies. He noted that such accidents often result from negligence, which poses a significant risk to both lives and property.
“We cannot overstate the importance of securing containers properly. This is an issue that affects everyone on the road, and drivers must adhere strictly to safety protocols to prevent such incidents,” Bakare-Oki said.
He also reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to enhancing road safety and managing traffic efficiently across Lagos. “Our team remains vigilant and ready to respond to emergencies at any time. We will continue to collaborate with all relevant authorities to maintain order and ensure the safety of road users,” he added.
The accident highlights the critical need for better safety practices by truck operators, as the precarious nature of transporting heavy goods on busy urban roads poses a constant threat.
With the swift response of emergency services, the victim was fortunate to escape a tragedy, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by road mishaps in Lagos.
