A cement-laden truck lost control and crushed a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer on duty and two commercial motorcyclists at the busy Badagry Roundabout on Monday morning, killing all three instantly, traffic officials and eyewitnesses say.

The tragic accident occurred at about 9:45 a.m. when the heavy truck, which was approaching the roundabout at high speed, suddenly lost control and veered off course, ploughing into the LASTMA official who was directing traffic and two motorcyclists who were waiting to pick up passengers, according to officials at the scene.

An official of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps said the driver appeared to struggle to maintain control before the collision adding that the driver made an attempt to manoeuvre to reduce casualties but the victims were already struck.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the deaths and said the truck driver was arrested and taken to the Badagry Police Station for questioning. The victims’ remains were deposited at the mortuary while the laden truck was impounded as part of the ongoing investigation, officials added.

Traffic was disrupted for several hours following the crash as LASTMA, FRSC and the Nigeria Police Force worked to clear the scene and restore order. Emergency responders also urged motorists to avoid the area until the road was fully reopened.