A yet-to-be-identified woman and her child have been crushed to death after two container-laden trucks overturned at Mile 2, near Freeman Market, inward Apapa, Lagos State.
The victims were trapped beneath the overturned trucks and their containers, sustaining fatal injuries. Their bodies were recovered by emergency responders during a rescue and recovery operation at the scene over the weekend.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq.
According to the statement, the accident involved two heavily laden 20-foot container trucks that overturned, leaving the mother and child trapped beneath the vehicles and their cargoes.
LASTMA said its rescue and recovery personnel promptly arrived at the scene to coordinate the evacuation, secure the affected road and prevent further traffic complications.
The agency temporarily cordoned off the affected section of the road and diverted motorists through an adjoining service lane to ease congestion and protect other road users.
It added that a crane and a high-capacity tow vehicle were deployed to remove the overturned trucks and their containers.
Officers of the Nigeria Police Force also provided security during the operation to ensure an orderly recovery process.
The remains of the victims were subsequently conveyed to the Police Mortuary in Yaba for necessary procedures.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sadness over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
He described the deaths as an immeasurable human tragedy and prayed for the family to find the strength to bear the loss.
Bakare-Oki called on relevant security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish the immediate and underlying causes of the accident.
He said the investigation should determine whether mechanical defects, overloading, improper cargo distribution, driver negligence or other factors contributed to the trucks overturning.
The LASTMA chief stressed the need for strict compliance with road safety regulations, regular vehicle inspections and proper cargo-securing procedures, particularly among operators of heavy-duty trucks transporting containers.
He also urged commercial truck operators and other motorists to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy, exercise caution and comply with prescribed safety standards.
Bakare-Oki reiterated that protecting human life remained paramount, warning that accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles and improperly secured cargo could have devastating consequences for other road users.
