A waste disposal truck owned by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) compaction mechanism failed, causing it to plunge off Shitta Bridge in the Surulere area.
The truck was reportedly in motion when it encountered mechanical issues, killing a tricycle rider.
According to Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, LAWMA’s Permanent Secretary, the compactor dislodged from the truck and plummeted onto a commercial mini-bus and a tricycle passing underneath, resulting in the tragic death of the tricycle rider.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, it was disclosed that the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) received distress calls promptly, triggering the activation of emergency response plans.
Teams swiftly mobilized to the scene from Onipan, equipped with heavy-duty machinery from the Cappa Base.
Eyewitnesses reported that the compactor first collided with a Kia Rio Saloon car before careening off the bridge onto the vehicles below.
The impact was devastating, instantly claiming the life of the tricycle rider.
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The statement underscored the urgency and efficiency of the emergency response, emphasising the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to prevent such tragic accidents in the future.
“The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, received a distress call through the Toll-Free Emergency numbers 767/112, at 2215hrs yesterday night.
“The Agency activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans with Emergency Response Teams responding from Onipan, followed with necessary equipment from Cappa Base, the hub of LASEMA heavy-duty equipment in a 5-minute record time, at 2220hrs.
“It was observed that a LAWMA PSP compactor truck was involved in a multiple accident when it reportedly suffered mechanical error (disengaged propeller), lost control and crashed into a Kia Rio Saloon car, registration number unknown, on Shitta bridge,” it read.
It added that further information gathered at the incident scene was that the compactor thereafter crashed down the side of the bridge onto a seven-passenger mini-bus (Korope) and a tricycle (Keke Marwa), killing the tri-cyclist instantly on impact.
