MOTHER AND CHILD KILLED AS TWO 20-FOOT CONTAINERISED TRUCKS OVERTURN AT MILE 2, INWARD APAPA

By Olayiwola Ibrahim // The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, at the weekend responded to a fatal road traffic accident at Mile 2, by Freeman Market, inward Apapa, where a mother and her child lost their lives following the overturning of two heavily laden 20-foot containerised trucks.

The victims were trapped beneath the trucks and their containerised cargoes, sustaining fatal injuries.

The incident highlights the grave consequences of road crashes involving heavy-duty articulated vehicles, especially when laden containers are involved.

LASTMA rescue and recovery personnel swiftly responded to the scene to coordinate evacuation, secure the corridor and prevent secondary incidents.

As an immediate traffic management measure, the entire roadway was cordoned off, while vehicular movement was diverted through the adjoining service lane to ease congestion and ensure safety of other road users.

Demonstrating operational preparedness for complex incident management, LASTMA’s Rescue and Recovery Team deployed a crane and a high-capacity tow vehicle to facilitate the recovery operation.

The equipment was instrumental in the evacuation of the overturned trucks and their cargoes.

Officers of the Nigeria Police Force provided security reinforcement to ensure an orderly recovery process. After evacuation, the victims’ remains were conveyed to the Police Mortuary in Yaba for necessary procedures.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the death of the mother and child and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

He described the incident as a tragic loss and prayed that God grants the family fortitude to bear the loss.

While commiserating with the family, Mr. Bakare-Oki called on relevant security agencies to carry out a comprehensive investigation to establish the immediate and remote causes of the accident.

He stressed the need to determine what led to the overturning of the two articulated trucks and whether mechanical failure, overloading, improper cargo distribution, driver negligence or other factors were responsible.

The General Manager emphasised strict compliance with road safety regulations, regular mechanical inspections, proper cargo securing and responsible driving, particularly among operators of heavy-duty articulated vehicles conveying containerised consignments.

He reiterated that preservation of human life remains paramount and urged motorists, especially commercial truck operators, to exercise vigilance, ensure roadworthiness of their vehicles and adhere to safety standards to avert avoidable fatalities on Lagos roads.