The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) over the weekend responded to a devastating road traffic incident at Mile 2, by Freeman Market, inward Apapa, in which 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 tragedy underscores the grave and often irreversible consequences of road traffic incidents involving heavy-duty articulated vehicles, particularly when laden containers become implicated in fatal collisions.
LASTMA’s rescue and recovery personnel swiftly responded to the scene to coordinate evacuation operations, secure the affected corridor and forestall further traffic complications. As an immediate traffic management intervention, the entire roadway was temporarily cordoned off, while vehicular movement was systematically diverted through the adjoining service lane to mitigate congestion, preserve operational safety and protect other road users from secondary incidents.
Demonstrating its operational preparedness and technical capacity for complex incident management, LASTMA’s Rescue and Recovery Team deployed a crane and a high-capacity tow vehicle to facilitate the arduous recovery operation. The specialised equipment was instrumental in the painstaking removal and evacuation of the overturned trucks and their heavily laden containerised cargoes.
Throughout the operation, officers of the Nigeria Police Force provided essential security reinforcement to ensure an orderly and secure recovery process. Following the evacuation, the victims’ remains were conveyed to the Police Mortuary in Yaba for the requisite procedures.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki expressed profound sorrow over the tragic demise of the mother and her child, extending his heartfelt 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.
While commiserating with the bereaved family, Mr Bakare-Oki called on the relevant security agencies to undertake a comprehensive and painstaking investigation to establish the immediate and underlying causes of the fatal occurrence.
He stressed the importance of determining the precise circumstances that precipitated the overturning of the two articulated trucks and ascertaining whether mechanical deficiencies, excessive loading, improper cargo distribution, driver negligence or other contributory factors were responsible.
The General Manager further emphasised the imperative of scrupulous compliance with established road safety regulations, regular mechanical inspections, appropriate cargo securing procedures and responsible driving practices, particularly among operators of heavy-duty articulated vehicles conveying substantial containerised consignments.
He reiterated that the preservation of human life remains paramount and urged motorists, especially commercial truck operators, to exercise heightened vigilance, ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles and adhere uncompromisingly to prescribed safety standards. He stressed that preventive vigilance, mechanical integrity and responsible driving are indispensable to averting avoidable fatalities on Lagos roads.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA.
