Driver escapes death as fire guts truck along Otedola Bridge in Lagos

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

A yet-to-be-identified driver narrowly escaped death late Saturday evening when a Mack truck transporting an empty 20-foot container was gutted by fire at the Alausa Secretariat, inward Otedola Bridge axis along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The incident comes shortly after a similar tragedy at the Lekki-Epe corridor, where two persons—a driver and his assistant—lost their lives in an explosion involving a trailer and a gas truck.

Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), swiftly arrived at the scene and brought the blaze under control.

Eyewitnesses said the truck suddenly caught fire while in motion before the driver brought it to a halt.

Fortunately, the driver escaped with minor injuries.

The coordinated efforts of LASTMA and the fire service ensured the immediate suppression of the inferno, preventing what could have escalated into a major disaster.

Their prompt response also helped to restore vehicular movement quickly, minimising disruption for commuters and economic activities along the busy route.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Lagos roads.

He urged motorists to carry out regular mechanical and electrical checks on their vehicles and exercise caution while driving, noting that proper maintenance remains key to preventing such emergencies.

“LASTMA remains steadfast in its statutory mandate to ensure a safe, efficient and seamlessly regulated traffic ecosystem throughout Lagos State,” he said.

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