By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A mother and her child died on Sunday after two trucks carrying 20-foot containers overturned at Mile 2, near Freeman Market, inward Apapa, Lagos State. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident and deployed rescue teams to evacuate victims, recover the trucks and control traffic. The crash occurred over the weekend, raising fresh concerns about the safety of heavily loaded trucks on Lagos roads.
LASTMA Confirms Fatal Truck Accident
The Director of LASTMA’s Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed the incident in a statement on Sunday.
According to Taofiq, the mother and child became trapped beneath the overturned trucks and their containers. They sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
The agency described the incident as a devastating road accident. Meanwhile, its rescue and recovery personnel responded promptly to the scene.
Rescue Teams Recover Overturned Trucks
LASTMA deployed a crane and a high-capacity tow vehicle to remove the overturned trucks and their containerised cargo.
In addition, police officers provided security throughout the recovery operation. The agency also cordoned off the affected road temporarily to protect other motorists.
Consequently, traffic officials diverted vehicles through an adjoining service lane to prevent gridlock and secondary accidents.
The victims’ remains were subsequently taken to the Police Mortuary in Yaba for necessary procedures.
LASTMA Urges Truck Operators to Prioritise Safety
The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers posed by heavy-duty vehicles on busy Lagos roads.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, urged truck operators to comply with road safety regulations. He also stressed the importance of regular vehicle inspections and properly secured cargo.
“The preservation of human life remains paramount,” Bakare-Oki said.
He further called on motorists, especially operators of articulated trucks, to ensure their vehicles remain roadworthy.
According to him, responsible driving and proper vehicle maintenance can help prevent avoidable deaths on Lagos roads.
Ogun Trailer Crash Also Claims a Life
Meanwhile, a separate truck accident in Ogun State reportedly killed a motorboy and injured three other people, including the driver.
The cement-laden trailer crashed along Mile 6, Ajebo Road, in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, on Wednesday.
Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi, said the incident occurred at Agbedejobi village.
He explained that the trailer reportedly suffered brake failure while descending a bridge. The driver then lost control while attempting to avoid a car ahead.
Consequently, the trailer plunged into a ditch before veering onto a railway track. Its cement cargo spilled into a nearby bush.
Authorities Call for Thorough Investigation
Following the Ogun accident, Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the bereaved family. He also called for a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
He urged security agencies to determine whether mechanical defects, overloading, improper cargo distribution or driver negligence contributed to the incident.
Furthermore, he emphasised that truck operators must follow prescribed safety standards. Regular maintenance and responsible driving remain essential to protecting lives and preventing road accidents.
The two incidents highlight the risks associated with heavy-duty vehicles and the importance of enforcing road safety regulations.
