Truck Fall Off Maryland Bridge In Lagos

A truck driver and his passenger miraculously escaped death after their vehicle skidded off the Maryland Bridge and fell into a tunnel, popularly called Independence Tunnel.

It was learnt that the vehicle, with number plate, KTU461XF, was conveying sand to an unknown location when the driver lost control.

The vehicle was said to have broken the pavement and fallen over into the tunnel below.

It was also gathered that the driver of the vehicle and his passenger fled after the incident.

Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority said that the incident occurred around 3am.

The officials were said to have rushed down to the scene, where they worked for over two hours before the vehicle could be evacuated.

Tonnes of sand, however, blocked a portion of the expressway, causing serious traffic congestion for several hours.

A tape had been placed at the spot to warn pedestrians and motorists.

A newspaper vendor, Michael Onazi, said, “We thank God that the accident occurred at night. If it had happened during the daytime, there would have been many casualties.”

A LASTMA official at the scene, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the vehicle had been towed to the LASTMA head office in Oshodi.

“The vehicle has been seriously damaged and I doubt if it could be repaired. However, we hope to get the identity of the driver or the owner of the truck soon,” he said.

The Public Relations Officer, LASTMA, Bola Ajao, confirmed the accident to our correspondent on the telephone.

“The accident occurred, but we have been able to clear the road to allow for free flow of traffic,” she said.