Trucks Crush Mother, Child To Death In Lagos

A mother and her child were at the weekend killed in Lagos State when two heavily loaded container trucks overturned near Freeman Market, Mile 2, in the Apapa area.

It was gathered that the victims were trapped under the trucks and their containers, sustaining fatal injuries.

Confirming the accident, the director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr Adebayo Taofiq, said the agency’s rescue and recovery team responded swiftly to the incident.

He said the accident prompted the temporary closure of the affected road corridor, with motorists diverted through an adjoining service lane to ease traffic and prevent further incidents.

Adebayo added that its rescue team deployed a crane and a heavy-duty tow vehicle to remove the overturned trucks and their containers.

“Police officers also provided security during the recovery operation, while the victims’ remains were taken to the Police Mortuary in Yaba for necessary procedures,” he said.

The general manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Bakare-Oki said that investigators will establish what caused the two trucks to overturn and determine whether mechanical faults, overloading, improper cargo distribution, driver negligence or other factors contributed to the tragedy.

He emphasised the need for strict compliance with road safety regulations, regular vehicle inspections and proper securing of containers transported by heavy-duty trucks.

The LASTMA boss said the incident highlighted the potentially fatal consequences of crashes involving articulated vehicles carrying heavy cargoes.

He urged truck operators to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy, secure their loads properly, and comply with prescribed safety standards to prevent avoidable deaths on the ever-busy Lagos roads.