A mother and her child have been killed after two heavily loaded 20-foot container trucks overturned at Mile 2, near Freeman Market, inward Apapa, Lagos, over the weekend.
A statement by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, said the victims were trapped beneath the overturned trucks and their containerised cargoes, sustaining fatal injuries that left their remains unrecognisable.
LASTMA rescue and recovery personnel responded to the scene to coordinate the evacuation, secure the affected road and prevent further traffic disruption.
As part of efforts to manage the situation, the entire roadway was temporarily cordoned off, while motorists were diverted through an adjoining service lane to reduce congestion, maintain safety and prevent secondary accidents.
The agency’s Rescue and Recovery Team deployed a crane and a high-capacity tow vehicle to remove the overturned trucks and their heavy container loads from the scene.
Officers of the Nigeria Police Force also provided security throughout the recovery operation to ensure the process was carried out safely and in an orderly manner.
After the evacuation, the remains of the mother and child were taken to the Police Mortuary in Yaba for the necessary procedures.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sorrow over the deaths and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
He described the incident as an immeasurable human tragedy and prayed that Almighty God would grant the family the fortitude, resilience and spiritual strength to withstand the enormity of their devastating 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 said it was important to determine the circumstances that led to the overturning of the two trucks and establish whether mechanical faults, excessive loading, improper cargo distribution, driver negligence or other factors contributed to the incident.
The LASTMA general manager stressed the need for strict compliance with road safety regulations, regular vehicle inspections, proper securing of cargo and responsible driving, particularly among operators of heavy-duty trucks carrying large containerised loads.
He further urged motorists, especially commercial truck drivers, to remain vigilant, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and comply with prescribed safety standards.
According to him, preventive vigilance, mechanical integrity and responsible driving are indispensable to averting avoidable fatalities on Lagos roads.
"The preservation of human life remains paramount; motorists, especially commercial truck operators, must exercise heightened vigilance, ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles and adhere uncompromisingly to prescribed safety standards," Bakare-Oki said.
Mother, child killed as two container trucks overturn in Lagos