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.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, adding that its rescue and recovery personnel responded to the incident over the weekend.
The victims were trapped beneath the overturned trucks and their containerised cargoes, sustaining fatal injuries.
“A mother and her child lost their lives following the overturning of two heavily laden 20-foot containerized trucks.
“The harrowing incident left both victims trapped beneath the overturned trucks and their massive containerised cargoes, sustaining catastrophic injuries that rendered their remains unrecognisable,” the statement said.
Following the incident, LASTMA temporarily cordoned off the affected road and diverted traffic through an adjoining service lane to ease congestion and prevent secondary accidents.
The agency deployed a crane and a high-capacity tow vehicle to remove the overturned trucks and their containers from the scene.
Officers of the Nigeria Police Force also provided security during the recovery operation, while the victims’ remains were taken 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.
He called on relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the causes of the incident, including the possibility of mechanical defects, overloading, improper cargo distribution or driver negligence.
Bakare-Oki also urged motorists, particularly commercial truck operators, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, secure their cargoes properly and comply with road safety regulations.
He stressed the need for regular vehicle inspections and responsible driving practices to prevent avoidable deaths on Lagos roads.
