Ojuelegba bridge trailer accident
Lagos bans heavy-duty trucks on Jibowu, Ojuelegba bridges over recurring accidents
Lagos Government has banned articulated trucks from using the Dorman Long and Ojuelegba bridges in the state.
This is as the state government has directed its Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) to detain truck drivers who flouted the order.
The state government explained that the order became necessary ‘as a result of the activities of articulated vehicles resulting to loss of lives and property in the State and in a bid to prevent further casualties.’
A letter from the State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, to the General Manager of LASTMA conveying the directive, dated February 6, was published, Monday, and titled; “Ban on use of Dorman Long and Ojuelegba bridges by articulated truck drivers.”
“Sequel to the frequent road accidents along Dorman Long and Ojuelegba Bridges as a result of the activities of articulated vehicles resulting to loss of lives and property in the State and in a bid to prevent further casualties, it is imperative for the Lagos State Government to restrict the articulated vehicles from the Dorma Long and Ojuelegba Bridges their movement to the State Logistics routes (Oshodi-Apapa Expressway) and under the bridge to link Ikorodu Road then connect Agege Motor Road.
“Sadly, on Sunday, 29th, January 2023 another tragedy which involved road accident occurred on the Ojuelegba bridge involving a container-laden truck which fell off the bridge and crushed a commercial bus on the ground which claimed Nine (9) lives and several others injured. Specifically, the State Government has observed that the rising curve of the bridge is not designed to allow passage of long, spacious, and heavy vehicles.
“In view of the foregoing, you are directed to apprehend articulated trucks that pass through Dorman Long and Ojuelegbe bridges in accordance with the pronouncement of the State Government, in a bid to reduce the spate of avoidable accidents occasioned by heavy duty and articulated trucks accessing the bridges in order to ensure safety, and security of lives and property across the state.”
