Truck crushes traffic officer, two riders in Badagry

A cement-laden truck careered out of control on Monday, killing a traffic officer and two motorcyclists at Badagry Roundabout in Lagos.

The victims included a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) official on duty and two commercial motorcyclists waiting for passengers at about 9.45 a.m.

Eyewitnesses said the truck suddenly lost control while approaching the busy junction, ploughing into the victims and sending shockwaves through the community.

The truck hit the LASTMA staff on official duty and two cyclists waiting to carry passengers,” an official of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Corps said.

He added, “The driver tried to manoeuvre to reduce casualties; otherwise many more motorcyclists and vehicles would have been affected.”

Confirming the tragedy, Mr Yusuf Sanni, Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said the driver had been arrested.

“The driver has been taken to Badagry Police Station,” Sanni said, blaming the crash on loss of control and urging motorists to avoid the area.

He disclosed that the victims’ remains were deposited at the hospital mortuary, while the truck was impounded at the police station.

CSP Folajimi Agosile, Divisional Police Officer of Badagry Police Station, confirmed the driver’s detention pending prosecution.

“He will be arraigned at the Chief Magistrates’ Court after investigations are concluded,” Agosile stated.

Officials of the FRSC, LASTMA, NSCDC and the Nigeria Police were seen clearing the expressway and restoring order after the fatal incident. (NAN)

culled from vanguard