Mother, child die as two container trucks overturn in Lagos

By Adebola Muili

A mother and her child have been killed after two heavily laden 20-foot container trucks overturned at Mile 2, near Freeman Market, inward Apapa, Lagos.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, October 25, 2026, by its Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.

The victims were trapped beneath the overturned trucks and their containers, sustaining fatal injuries in the accident.

LASTMA said its rescue and recovery personnel swiftly responded to the scene to coordinate the evacuation operation, secure the affected road and prevent further traffic complications.

As part of the emergency response, the authority temporarily cordoned off the affected section of the road and diverted vehicular movement through an adjoining service lane to ease congestion and protect other road users while recovery operations lasted.

To facilitate the removal of the overturned trucks and their heavy containerised cargoes, LASTMA deployed a crane and a high-capacity tow vehicle to the scene.

The operation was carried out with the support of police officers, who provided security and helped maintain order throughout the recovery exercise.

Following the evacuation, the remains of the deceased were conveyed to the police mortuary in Yaba for necessary procedures.

Reacting to the tragedy, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sadness over the deaths and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

He described the incident as a grave human tragedy and prayed that God would grant the family 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 the circumstances that led to the overturning of the two articulated trucks and establish whether mechanical defects, excessive loading, improper cargo distribution, driver negligence or other factors contributed to the incident.

The LASTMA boss stressed the need for strict compliance with road safety regulations, regular mechanical inspections and proper cargo-securing procedures among operators of heavy-duty vehicles.

He also emphasised the importance of responsible driving, particularly among commercial truck operators transporting heavy containerised consignments, noting that vehicle roadworthiness and adherence to safety standards were essential to preventing avoidable accidents.

Bakare-Oki urged motorists, especially operators of articulated trucks, to exercise greater caution on the roads and ensure their vehicles were mechanically sound before embarking on journeys.

He reiterated that the protection of human life must remain a priority, stressing that preventive measures, proper vehicle maintenance and responsible driving practices were necessary to reduce fatalities on Lagos roads.