Mother, child die as 2 trucks collide in Lagos

Two container trucks which were fully loaded overturned at Mile 2, close to Freeman Market, inward Apapa, Lagos State, killing a mother and child.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority through its Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.

The statement said the victims were trapped beneath the overturned trucks and their containerised cargoes, sustaining fatal injuries.

LASTMA’s rescue and recovery personnel responded to the scene, cordoned off the affected road and diverted motorists through an adjoining service lane to prevent further accidents and ease traffic congestion.

The agency deployed a crane and a high-capacity tow vehicle to remove the overturned trucks and their containers, while officers of the Nigeria Police Force provided security during the recovery operation.

The remains of the victims were subsequently taken to the Police Mortuary in Yaba for necessary procedures.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sadness over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

He called on relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the immediate and underlying causes of the crash.

Bakare-Oki said the investigation should determine whether mechanical defects, overloading, improper cargo distribution, driver negligence or other factors contributed to the accident.

He urged operators of articulated vehicles to ensure their trucks were roadworthy, secure their cargoes properly and comply strictly with established road safety regulations.

The LASTMA boss also advised motorists, particularly commercial truck drivers, to exercise caution and prioritise the safety of other road users.

He stressed that regular mechanical inspections, proper cargo handling and responsible driving were essential to preventing avoidable road crashes and fatalities in Lagos State.