A traffic officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) was severely injured on Tuesday when a reckless truck driver lost control of his vehicle at the Ojodu Berger area of Lagos. The incident left the officer with life-altering injuries, including a fractured leg and hand.
The accident occurred when a fully loaded trailer, bearing the registration number KTG 33 ZZ from Bauchi State, was traveling at an excessive speed. Witnesses noted that the driver, who was coming from Agidingbi via Oba Ogunji Road and heading toward Omole Junction in the Ogba area, lost control of the truck, leading to the devastating crash.
The LASTMA officer was just beginning his afternoon shift when the speeding truck struck him, causing serious injuries. Emergency responders quickly transported him to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for urgent medical attention.
Despite the severity of the situation, the truck driver attempted to flee the scene. However, security personnel from the Ojodu Police Station, working alongside LASTMA officials, managed to track him down and arrest him.
Speaking on the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, visited the injured officer at LASUTH and provided an update on his condition.
“Upon emergency medical assessment at the Surgical Emergency Centre of LASUTH, attending specialists determined that the extent of the injuries necessitated an immediate amputation of his right leg,” Bakare-Oki stated.
He condemned the driver’s reckless actions, stating that such tragedies could be avoided if road users adhered to safety regulations. He urged truck and trailer operators to be more responsible, emphasizing the importance of road safety in protecting lives.
“LASTMA officers are not adversaries to motorists; rather, they are dedicated to ensuring that traffic flows seamlessly, fostering economic growth and urban efficiency in Lagos State in the process,” he asserted.
Bakare-Oki expressed deep sympathy for the injured officer and assured that the government would cover all necessary medical expenses for his treatment and recovery.
“Government will not abandon you; we are with you throughout this difficult period,” he assured.
