In a devastating incident early Saturday, a still-unidentified man met a tragic end when a containerized truck, bearing the plate LSR 901 XV, careened out of control due to brake failure along Ikorodu Road in Lagos State. The victim, a scavenger pushing a wheelbarrow, fell prey to the speeding 16-tyre articulated truck.
According to a statement by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Public Relations Officer, Adebayo Taofiq, the victim was initially saved from the scene by LASTMA officers but succumbed to injuries shortly after. Taofiq detailed the unfortunate episode, stating that the driver lost control while traveling at full speed, resulting in a collision with the unsuspecting scavenger near Mile 12 Market.
Despite efforts to rescue the victim, the aftermath saw an enraged group of miscreants attacking the truck driver. Swift intervention from LASTMA officials and security officers prevented further escalation, securing the driver and escorting him to the Ketu Police Divisional Headquarters.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bakare-Oki Olalekan, expressed condolences over the loss and urged market leaders to intensify safety enlightenment campaigns. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the hazards of utilizing wheelbarrows for transporting goods along highways.