Overturned Truck Spills Two 20-Foot Containers at Otedola Bridge as LASTMA Intensifies Traffic Control
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed an incident involving a Mack articulated truck conveying two 20-foot containers which developed a battery-related mechanical fault while in transit along the Otedola Bridge corridor in Lagos.
According to the Authority, the situation escalated when an unprofessional private recovery attempt was made to remove the immobilised truck from the roadway. During the process, the truck overturned, causing the containers to dislodge and spill onto the carriageway, thereby obstructing a section of the road.
LASTMA disclosed that no casualties were recorded as the situation was swiftly brought under control through the prompt intervention of its operatives, who worked in collaboration with other emergency response agencies at the scene.
Upon receiving the distress alert, the LASTMA Rescue and Recovery Team immediately mobilised to the location and worked closely with personnel from the agency’s Zone 2 Command to implement coordinated traffic management measures aimed at safeguarding motorists and preventing secondary incidents.
To facilitate the quick clearance of the obstruction, the Authority temporarily closed the expressway inward Lagos on the main carriageway and deployed a high-capacity tow truck to the scene. A heavy-duty crane was also engaged to lift and reposition the fallen containers, enabling a safe and coordinated recovery operation.
The incident initially triggered a traffic backlog extending beyond Kara Bridge, as motorists approaching the affected corridor encountered significant congestion.
However, LASTMA officials remained actively engaged in traffic diversion, vehicular regulation and crowd management, helping to ease congestion and gradually restore normal vehicular movement within the axis.
Following the successful completion of the recovery and clearance operations, normal traffic flow was progressively restored after the overturned truck and its containers were removed from the roadway.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, immediately deployed additional personnel to the scene to support other emergency responders.
He reiterated the Authority’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, preserving critical road infrastructure and ensuring safe and seamless mobility across Lagos road networks.
