Incident on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway
A couple narrowly escaped death on Wednesday evening when a container fell on their Lexus Jeep at the Toyota bus stop along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos. The incident, which occurred around 6:35 pm, was swiftly attended to by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
Quick Rescue Efforts by Emergency Services
Margaret Adeseye, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed the event in a statement on Thursday. According to her, the agency promptly responded to a distress call, rescuing the couple from the wreckage of their vehicle without injuries.
The incident involved a Lexus Jeep 350 with registration number EKY 251 HW and a Mack Trailer carrying two 20-foot containers, one of which accidentally fell on the rear side of the moving vehicle. Sympathizers initially attempted to help the victims before firefighters arrived to complete the rescue mission.
Details of the Rescue
Adeseye provided further details about the victims, describing them as a 45-year-old male and a 37-year-old female whose names were not disclosed. Both were safely extricated from the accident scene without any physical injuries.
“The remains of the vehicles had been cleared off the path of the highway by LASEMA, after men of LASTMA addressed the ensuing traffic congestion. The Nigeria Police from the Ilasamaja Division also supported the operations, bringing the incident to a resolution,” the statement read.
Driver of the Mack Trailer Escapes Unscathed
The driver of the Mack Trailer, who was also unhurt, joined the couple in undergoing trauma therapy to ensure their emotional well-being after the traumatic event.
Efficient Collaboration by Emergency Agencies
The combined efforts of LASEMA, LASTMA, and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were critical in ensuring the smooth handling of the situation. After clearing the wreckage, the highway was reopened, and traffic flow was restored.
A Reminder of Road Safety Challenges
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of road safety in Lagos, particularly concerning the transportation of heavy containers. Authorities are expected to continue enforcing stricter measures to prevent such occurrences and ensure the safety of road users.
While the couple and the trailer driver survived this harrowing event unscathed, the accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and proper load management on Lagos roads.
