Trailer falls off bridge in Lagos, kills three

Fallen trailer3At least three people were killed on Wednesday after a container on a 40-feet trailer fell off the Ojuelegba Bridge onto the road below.

The container, which was not latched to the trailer, crushed two private vehicles which were in motion.

A crowd of residents and motorists was said to have converged on the scene as there was apprehension on the number of casualties involved in the incident.

The situation caused traffic snarl in the area as traffic officials had a tough time controlling the number of people trooping the scene and redirecting the traffic. An angry mob apprehended the trailer driver as he attempted to escape the scene. He was, however, apprehended by the angry mob.

A witness, who identified himself as Sir J, told Punch the accident happened around 4.50pm.

“It happened around 4.50pm, as we were all in the park doing our businesses. Scenes of the incident.

“The container on the 40-feet trailer suddenly fell off the bridge and crushed two private cars.

“The driver of the trailer wanted to flee, but we apprehended him. There is chaos everywhere,” he said.

General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASTMA), Michael Akindele, confirmed three persons died in the incident.

He said, “We are already on the ground and there is a lot of crowd around here. “Three persons were killed. Rescue operation is still ongoing.”

Spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency, South West zone, Ibrahim Farinloye, said the occupier of the second car escaped unhurt.

He said, “It is one jeep that is under the container. And I was told just one person is inside, but we have yet to ascertain whether it is a man or a woman.

“Rescue officials from the state and federal agencies are on the ground.”

Fallen trailer