A failed U-turn by a truck driver ended in tragedy on Sunday as a yam-laden truck rammed into a stationary commercial tricycle at Aiyetoro Junction in Epe, Lagos State, leaving one person dead and three others seriously injured.

The crash occurred along the traffic light corridor at the junction when the truck, with registration number AGL 764 XB, was reportedly attempting to make a U-turn towards Eleko.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA’s preliminary findings showed that the driver lost control of the truck during the manoeuvre before it crashed into the stationary tricycle, registered as SMK 127 QR.

The impact trapped the occupants of the tricycle in the wreckage, prompting an emergency response by road and security agencies.

LASTMA operatives on routine traffic management duty at the location reportedly arrived at the scene and worked alongside personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the military to rescue the victims.

Three critically injured occupants were eventually extricated from the mangled vehicle.

The Federal Road Safety Corps subsequently conveyed the injured victims and the deceased to the General Hospital, Epe, for medical attention and other necessary procedures.

Meanwhile, security personnel worked to maintain order at the scene and restore normal traffic movement in the area.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.

He also called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, urging the relevant authorities to ensure that anyone found culpable faces the appropriate legal consequences.

The incident has again drawn attention to the dangers associated with heavy-duty vehicles, particularly during manoeuvres at busy road junctions. (The Guardian)