By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
A mother and her child have been killed after two heavily laden 20-foot container trucks overturned at Mile 2, near Freeman Market, inward Apapa, Lagos State.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), which disclosed this in a statement, described the incident as a devastating road accident that left both victims trapped beneath the overturned trucks and their containers.
According to the agency, the victims sustained fatal injuries in the incident.
LASTMA said its rescue and recovery personnel swiftly arrived at the scene to coordinate evacuation operations, secure the affected road corridor and prevent further traffic complications.
As part of efforts to manage the situation, the entire affected section of the road was temporarily cordoned off, while motorists were diverted through an adjoining service lane to ease congestion and protect other road users.
The agency’s Rescue and Recovery Team deployed a crane and a heavy-duty tow vehicle to facilitate the difficult operation of removing the overturned trucks and their containerised cargoes.
Officers of the Nigeria Police Force also provided security support to ensure an orderly recovery operation.
Following the evacuation, the remains of the deceased were conveyed to the Police Mortuary in Yaba for the necessary procedures.
Reacting to the tragedy, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sadness over the deaths and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
He described the incident as a profound human tragedy and prayed that God would grant the family the strength to bear their loss.
Bakare-Oki also called on relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the immediate and underlying causes of the accident.
He stressed the need to determine whether mechanical faults, excessive loading, improper cargo distribution, driver negligence or other factors contributed to the overturning of the two trucks.
The LASTMA chief further emphasised the importance of strict compliance with road safety regulations, regular vehicle inspections, proper cargo-securing procedures and responsible driving, particularly among operators of heavy-duty articulated vehicles.
He urged motorists, especially commercial truck operators, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and comply with prescribed safety standards.
Bakare-Oki reiterated that protecting human life must remain a priority, noting that preventive measures, proper vehicle maintenance and responsible driving are essential to reducing avoidable road fatalities in Lagos.
