A man had a miraculous escape in the early hours of Saturday after a 40-foot container-laden truck crushed his Toyota Sienna along Ikorodu Road, near the Idi-Iroko area, inbound Maryland, Lagos.

The terrifying accident, which happened around 1:30 a.m., involved a white Toyota Sienna with registration number LSR 267 GZ and a fully loaded Mack truck. Preliminary reports suggest that the truck suffered brake failure, likely caused by excessive speeding, which made the driver lose control. In seconds, the massive container slipped off the trailer and came crashing down on the unsuspecting minivan.

Responding swiftly to distress calls, officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) rushed to the scene. LASTMA’s midnight surveillance and rescue team, armed with advanced rescue equipment, carried out a delicate operation to free the trapped occupant. Thanks to their prompt efforts, the unidentified man was safely pulled from the wreckage and handed over to medical personnel from LASAMBUS. He was reported to be in stable condition.

Meanwhile, the truck driver fled immediately after the incident, likely out of fear of mob action or prosecution, mistakenly believing the accident had claimed a life.

The wrecked Sienna was later towed to the Anthony Police Station, while LASTMA impounded the truck and container, moving them to their operational headquarters for thorough investigation.

Speaking on the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed relief that the victim survived and commended his team for their professionalism. He also used the opportunity to sound a serious warning to truck operators.

“This deeply distressing incident highlights yet again the dangers of poor vehicle maintenance, reckless driving, and habitual speeding on our roads,” he said.

He urged all truck owners and drivers to prioritize vehicle safety checks and adhere strictly to traffic regulations, especially when operating in heavily populated areas, to prevent such avoidable tragedies.

This near-fatal crash serves as another reminder of the urgent need for drivers to maintain their vehicles and drive responsibly, ensuring Lagos roads are safer for everyone.