Tragedy at Badagry: Out-of-control truck crushes traffic officer, two riders

A heavy truck veered out of control on Monday, killing a traffic officer and two motorcyclists at the Badagry Roundabout in Lagos.

The victims included an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) who was 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, ramming into the victims and sending shockwaves through the community.

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

He added, “The driver attempted to manoeuvre to minimise casualties; otherwise, many more motorcyclists and vehicles could have been affected.”

Confirming the incident, 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, attributing the crash to loss of control and urging motorists to avoid the area.

He added that the victims’ remains had been deposited at the mortuary, while the truck was impounded at the police station.

Officials of the FRSC, LASTMA, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force were seen clearing the expressway and restoring order after the fatal crash.

NAN