The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed an incident involving a Mack articulated truck conveying two 20-foot containers, which developed a battery-related mechanical fault while in transit along the Otedola Bridge corridor.
The Authority disclosed that during an attempted unprofessional private recovery operation aimed at removing the immobilised vehicle from the roadway, the truck unfortunately overturned causing the containers to dislodge and spill onto the carriageway, thereby obstructing a section of the road.
On-site assessments confirmed that no casualty was recorded, as the situation was swiftly brought under control through the prompt intervention of LASTMA operatives, working in collaboration with other emergency response agencies.
Upon receiving the distress notification, the LASTMA Rescue and Recovery Team immediately mobilised to the scene, collaborating closely with operational personnel from LASTMA Zone 2 Command to institute a comprehensive traffic control architecture designed to safeguard motorists and avert any potential secondary incidents.
In order to facilitate the expeditious clearance of the obstruction, the Authority temporarily closed the main carriage Expressway inward Lagos, deployed a high-capacity tow truck to the location, while a heavy-duty crane was also engaged to undertake the technical lifting and repositioning of the fallen containers, thereby enabling a safe and coordinated recovery operation.
The Authority noted that the incident temporarily triggered a traffic backlog extending beyond Kara Bridge, as approaching motorists encountered congestion within the affected corridor.
Nevertheless, LASTMA personnel remained actively engaged in traffic diversion, vehicular regulation and crowd management, effectively mitigating congestion and restoring order to vehicular movement within the axis.
Following the successful completion of the recovery and clearance operations, normal traffic flow was progressively restored by opening back the main carriage way upon the removal of the overturned truck and its containers from the roadway.
The General Manager of LASTMA Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki immediately deployed more personnel to incident arena to compliment other emergency responders.
He reiterates the Authority unwavering commitment to the protection of lives, preservation of critical road infrastructure and the sustained facilitation of safe and seamless mobility across Lagos road networks.
