A traffic official and two commercial motorcyclists have been crushed to death at the busy Badagry Roundabout in Lagos after a truck conveying cement veered out of control, killing all three victims instantly.
The accident occurred on Monday around 9:00 a.m., according to eyewitness accounts from the scene.
Residents and commuters described a moment of chaos after the heavy-duty truck reportedly approached the junction at high speed before losing control.
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, said the affected officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, was on duty managing traffic when the truck suddenly swerved off its lane.
“The officer was directing vehicles when the truck lost control and ran into him. He died immediately. The two motorcyclists were also hit while waiting for passengers close to the junction,” the witness said.
A police source, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the crash led to severe traffic congestion in the area, prompting the deployment of additional traffic and security personnel.
“Other LASTMA officials were mobilised immediately because one of their officers was involved. Our officers were also on ground, alongside the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, to restore order and manage the situation,” the source explained.
The police officer further disclosed that the truck driver was arrested at the scene and taken into custody, while the bodies of the victims were evacuated to a hospital mortuary.
The truck involved in the crash was also impounded for further investigation.
Confirming the incident, the Badagry Unit Commander of the FRSC, Yusuf Sanni, attributed the crash to loss of control by the driver.
He said the suspect had been handed over to the police and urged motorists to avoid the area due to the traffic disruption caused by the accident.
“The driver has been taken to Badagry Police Station. The remains of the victims have been deposited at the hospital mortuary, and the vehicle has been impounded,” Sanni stated.
The Divisional Police Officer of Badagry Police Station, CSP Folajimi Agosile, also confirmed the arrest, noting that the driver would be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.
“He is currently in custody and will be arraigned at the Chief Magistrates’ Court after investigations,” Agosile said.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the spokesperson of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report, although he had earlier indicated that a statement would be issued.
