A mother and her child have been killed after two heavily loaded container trucks overturned near Freeman Market in the Mile 2 area of Apapa, Lagos State, at the weekend.
The victims were reportedly trapped beneath the overturned trucks and their containers, sustaining fatal injuries. The tragic incident sparked an emergency response as traffic officials moved to secure the area, clear the wreckage and prevent further accidents.
According to a report by Leadership news, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident, with its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, stating that the agency’s rescue and recovery team responded promptly to the scene.
Taofiq explained that the crash necessitated the temporary closure of the affected road corridor, while motorists were diverted through an adjoining service lane to ease traffic congestion and prevent further incidents.
He added that LASTMA deployed a crane and a heavy-duty tow vehicle to remove the overturned trucks and their containers. Police officers also provided security throughout the recovery operation, while the victims’ remains were conveyed to the Police Mortuary in Yaba for necessary procedures.
Meanwhile, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and called for a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Bakare-Oki said investigators would determine whether mechanical failure, overloading, improper cargo distribution, driver negligence or other factors contributed to the incident.
He stressed the importance of strict adherence to road safety regulations, regular vehicle inspections and proper securing of containers transported by articulated trucks.
The LASTMA boss warned that the incident underscored the devastating consequences of crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles carrying large cargoes.
He urged truck operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, secure their loads adequately and comply with established safety standards to prevent avoidable deaths on Lagos roads.
