Mother, Child Killed as Two Container Trucks Overturn at Mile 2, Lagos

Mother, Child Killed as Two Container Trucks Overturn at Mile 2, Lagos

A woman and her child have died after two container-laden trucks overturned near Freeman Market at Mile 2, inward Apapa, in Lagos State.

Emergency responders recovered the victims’ bodies from beneath the overturned trucks during rescue operations over the weekend. Their identities had not been established as of the time of reporting.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the fatal incident in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, and made available to the Nigerian Tribune.

According to the agency, the accident involved two heavily loaded trucks carrying 20-foot containers. Both vehicles overturned, trapping the woman and her child beneath the trucks and their cargo.

Taofiq described the incident as a devastating tragedy, highlighting the serious dangers posed by accidents involving articulated vehicles carrying heavy containers.

He said LASTMA’s rescue and recovery personnel arrived promptly at the scene to coordinate the operation, remove the wreckage and prevent further danger to motorists.

The affected section of the road was temporarily cordoned off, while traffic was diverted through an adjoining service lane to reduce congestion and protect other road users.

LASTMA deployed a crane and a high-capacity tow vehicle to lift and remove the overturned trucks and their containers during the recovery operation.

Officers of the Nigeria Police Force also provided security at the scene to maintain order and support the emergency responders.

Following the recovery, the victims’ remains were transported to the Police Mortuary in Yaba for the necessary procedures.

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

Bakare-Oki described the incident as an immeasurable human tragedy and prayed for strength and comfort for the family as they cope with their loss.

He also called on relevant security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and determine what caused the two trucks to overturn.

The investigation, he said, should establish whether mechanical failure, overloading, improper cargo distribution, driver negligence or other factors contributed to the crash.

The LASTMA chief stressed the importance of enforcing road safety regulations, conducting regular vehicle inspections and ensuring that containers are properly secured before transportation.

He also urged operators of heavy-duty trucks to maintain their vehicles in roadworthy condition and observe prescribed safety standards while transporting cargo.

Bakare-Oki reiterated that protecting human life must remain a priority and called on motorists, particularly commercial truck drivers, to exercise caution to prevent avoidable road accidents.