LASEMA clears container truck obstruction on Lagos road

The accident scene...Photo Credit: LASEMA

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has cleared a truck carrying two 20-foot containers that tilted and obstructed about 80 per cent of the roadway at National-Ashade, Lagos.

The incident occurred at about 11:21pm on Sunday when the MACK truck reportedly broke down while attempting to make a U-turn.

According to LASEMA in a Monday statement by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, its Eagle Response Team stationed at Cappa was activated following a report of the incident and arrived at the scene to find the truck laden with the containers.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident was caused by a tyre burst which made the truck tilt, posing a serious threat to road users and blocking about eighty percent of the roadway,” the agency said.

The agency said its responders immediately implemented traffic diversion measures and secured the area to prevent a secondary incident while awaiting heavy-duty equipment.

“Through coordinated efforts and with the aid of a private crane, two forklifts and the Agency’s lowbed, the containers were successfully recovered and placed on the Agency’s lowbed, while the MACK truck was towed to the LASTMA yard at Oshodi with the aid of a private tow truck,” LASEMA said.

The agency added that the road had been fully cleared and reopened for free vehicular movement.

“No loss of life or injury was recorded in both incidents,” the statement said.
Oke-Osanyintolu, commended the agency’s Cobra and Eagle Response Teams and other collaborating agencies for their swift intervention.

He urged drivers of articulated and heavy-duty vehicles to ensure proper maintenance, obey speed limits and traffic regulations, and exercise caution on Lagos roads.

Oke-Osanyintolu also urged members of the public to report emergencies promptly through the 767 and 112 toll-free emergency lines.