The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the deaths of two individuals following a fatal collision involving two fully loaded 40-foot container trucks along the Cele inward axis of the Oshodi–Apapa Expressway at Mile 2, Lagos, on Thursday.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA disclosed that one of the deceased was the driver of one of the trucks involved in the crash, while the second victim was identified as a suspected trespasser whose presence near the articulated vehicles could not be immediately explained.
According to the agency, the impact of the collision left the driver severely trapped within the steering compartment of his truck, necessitating a delicate and painstaking extrication process by LASTMA’s Rescue and Recovery Team. The second victim was later retrieved from beneath one of the trucks after an intensive search and recovery operation conducted under strict safety measures.
Emergency response efforts at the scene were carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), whose technical expertise and specialised equipment were deployed to support the complex rescue and recovery exercise. Security and perimeter control were maintained by officers from the Ilasa Police Division to ensure orderliness and preserve the integrity of the accident scene.
Authorities stated that following the recovery of the bodies, the remains were evacuated to allow for the continuation of clearance operations and the gradual restoration of vehicular movement along the busy logistics corridor, which serves as a critical route for freight transportation within the state.
Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the moving container trucks rammed into another stationary 40-foot container truck from behind. The collision was attributed to excessive speed, which caused the driver of the moving truck and his assistant to become trapped inside the cabin. Despite rescue efforts, both victims were confirmed dead at the scene.
Following the conclusion of on-site operations, the case was formally handed over to the Ilasa Police Division for a comprehensive investigation to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the crash.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the families of the victims. He described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the risks associated with high-density freight corridors and reiterated the agency’s commitment to promoting road safety.
Bakare-Oki urged operators of articulated vehicles to maintain strict adherence to speed limits and regulatory guidelines, stressing that disciplined and responsible driving is essential to safeguarding lives and property. He particularly highlighted the need for heightened vigilance during nighttime freight operations, noting that such conditions demand careful manoeuvring and adequate warning mechanisms to prevent avoidable accidents.
Similarly, LASEMA officials confirmed that recovery operations were ongoing to evacuate the damaged trucks and their cargo to restore normal traffic flow. Traffic management measures were implemented to prevent secondary incidents and minimise congestion along the expressway.
Motorists were advised to remain patient, comply with traffic directives, and promptly report hazardous situations to emergency authorities. The agencies emphasised that strict observance of speed regulations and safety protocols remains crucial in preventing further tragedies on Lagos roads.
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