Fresh tragedy averted on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Posted by admin Headlines, Latest Politics Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

Fresh tragedy was averted in Lagos on Wednesday when two separate accidents occurred at the Michael Otedola Estate axis in the Lagos end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

A similar accident involving a sugar-laden truck at the same spot on August 15 claimed over 40 lives while about 25 vehicles were burnt.

Also, an 18-seater passenger bus crashed and burst into flames near the Michael Otedola Estate about two weeks ago. All occupants of the fully loaded vehicle were feared dead in the resultant fire.

Though no life was lost in the Wednesday’s auto crash, our correspondent gathered that many people sustained injuries while six vehicles, including three trailers were involved in the accident.

Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred at about 2pm when a trailer, while descending a slope leading to the expressway, had a brake failure and rammed into other vehicles.

One of the witnesses who craved anonymity, said the accident was due to the effect of the rain that fell during the time, adding that the driver of the truck struggled in vain to control the vehicle after the brake failed.

“During the time of the accident, rain was falling. Apart from the brake failure, the driver appeared not to have seen very well as the truck’s windshield was dark.” an eyewitness said.

He added that there were two accidents, saying that one occurred before the bridge while the other occurred on the bridge.

A LASTMA official, who said he was not in position to speak to journalists, however, confirmed that it appeared that the driver of the truck lost control of the vehicle and rammed into other vehicles.

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