Tragedy struck in the Surulere area of Lagos State as a yet-to-be-identified tricycle rider lost his life in a fatal accident involving a refuse truck operated by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, unfolded on the Shitta bridge when the truck experienced a mechanical failure while in motion. Unable to control the vehicle, the driver collided with a Kia Saloon car on the bridge, triggering a chain of events that led to the tragic demise of the tricycle rider.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the impact of the crash caused the compactor of the refuse truck to detach and plummet down the side of the bridge, striking a mini commercial bus and the tricycle.
Confirming the incident, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, revealed that the tricycle rider succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident. Emergency response teams swiftly mobilized to the location, with the agency’s heavy-duty equipment deployed within minutes to assist in the rescue efforts.
The deceased’s remains were recovered and transported to the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba for further processing. Meanwhile, all vehicles involved in the accident were relocated to the Iponri Police Station for investigation, including the LAWMA refuse truck.
The response to the accident involved a coordinated effort from various agencies, including LASEMA, LASAMBUS, LASTMA, and the Nigerian Police Force, underlining the importance of swift and efficient emergency response in such critical situations.