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

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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Fortunately, the driver escaped with minor injuries.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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“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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