A driver narrowly escaped death in Lagos on Monday morning when a 40-foot container fell on his car at Mile 2, along the route to Apapa Ports.
The driver, whose identity remains unknown, was inside a Toyota Camry with registration number LSR 293 HJ when the incident occurred around 8:00 a.m.
Eyewitnesses described the accident as shocking, with some saying it was a miracle that the man survived.
One witness, a roadside trader, said, “When I saw the container fall, I thought no one in that car would make it out alive.”
Rescue operations began almost immediately, thanks to the swift response of emergency teams.
Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) coordinated efforts to save the victim.
The driver was pulled out of the wreckage alive and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
Security at the scene was ensured by officers from the Kirikiri Police Division, who kept the environment safe and orderly for emergency responders.
As of 9:30 a.m., efforts to remove the massive container from the scene were still ongoing.
LASTMA personnel worked to manage the resulting traffic jam and restore normal traffic flow in the busy Mile 2 area.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed concern over the incident.
He emphasized the need for truck drivers and owners to ensure containers are properly secured.
“Negligence in securing containers endangers lives and property,” Bakare-Oki stated.
He also stressed the importance of adhering to road safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences.
“LASTMA remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Lagos roadways,” Bakare-Oki added.
This latest incident has reignited public debate about safety regulations for heavy-duty vehicles in Lagos.
Residents have long complained about the dangers posed by trucks carrying unsecured containers on Lagos roads.
Many blame truck operators for disregarding safety rules, putting the lives of other road users at risk.
A Mile 2 resident, who witnessed the rescue operation, said, “This is not the first time we’ve seen something like this. People are tired of complaining.”
In response to the growing outcry, safety advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
A spokesperson for a Lagos-based safety NGO said, “We need tougher penalties for operators who fail to secure their loads. Accidents like this are avoidable.”
Statistics show that accidents involving fallen containers are a recurring problem in Lagos, a city known for its heavy traffic and bustling ports.
Experts have warned that without stricter oversight, such incidents could become more frequent and deadly.
The driver of the ill-fated Toyota Camry is now recovering in the hospital, but the trauma of the event remains fresh for witnesses and emergency responders alike.
Another eyewitness said, “I can’t stop thinking about how close that man came to death. He is very lucky to be alive.”
The Lagos State government has previously introduced measures to regulate truck operations, but implementation remains a challenge.
Officials are expected to review this latest incident and possibly introduce new policies to enhance safety on the roads.
For now, LASTMA and other agencies are working to ensure traffic in the area returns to normal.
The public has been urged to report unsafe practices involving trucks and containers to the authorities.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Bakare-Oki said.
The survival of the driver is being hailed as a miracle, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on Lagos roads.
