A tragic accident occurred on Saturday in Lagos when a fully loaded six-tyre truck, carrying printing materials and bearing registration number AKD 135 YK, plunged off the Oshodi Bridge. The incident, which happened as the vehicle was descending from Oshodi-Oke toward Mile 2, left one male victim severely injured.

Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reported that the truck suffered a critical mechanical failure, specifically a brake failure, causing it to lose control, skid off the carriageway, and tumble into the terminal below. Upon arrival, LASTMA operatives swiftly commenced rescue operations, successfully extricating the injured man. He was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, while the truck driver was apprehended and handed over to officers at the Makinde Police Station in Oshodi for further investigation into the cause of the malfunction and other contributory factors.

Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, confirmed the incident, highlighting the agency's prompt and professional response. He stated that the incident, which "could have culminated in catastrophic casualties," was mitigated by the coordinated intervention of LASTMA personnel who arrived within minutes to manage traffic, prevent escalation, and clear the wreckage. To ensure the safety of other road users, the accident scene was cordoned off, and vehicular movement was diverted, swiftly restoring traffic normalcy.

LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended his officers for their swift and professional actions, reiterating the agency's unwavering commitment to public safety and emergency management. He also issued a stern warning to motorists, urging them to ensure proper vehicle maintenance, particularly during the "Ember months," when a noticeable increase in traffic accidents is typically observed across the state.

This incident adds to growing concerns regarding frequent mechanical failures involving articulated and heavy-duty vehicles operating on Lagos's steep and high-traffic routes. Road accidents remain a significant challenge in the metropolis, with LASTMA recording 1,667 crashes between January and September alone. These crashes resulted in 87 fatalities and 6,666 injuries, with nearly 60 percent occurring along major traffic corridors such as the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Ikorodu Road, underscoring the critical need for enhanced vehicle safety and maintenance practices.