- Two people die in a collision between two 40-foot container trucks on Oshodi–Apapa Expressway, Mile 2, Lagos
- The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority confirmed that one victim was a truck driver while the other was a suspected trespasser
- Authorities urge drivers to adhere to speed limits and practice responsible driving
Two people have died following a collision between two fully loaded 40-foot container trucks along the Cele inward axis of the Oshodi–Apapa Expressway, Mile 2, Lagos, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 19.
In a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA revealed that one of the victims was the driver of truck T-392 LA, while the other was a suspected trespasser whose presence near the vehicles could not be immediately verified.
“The driver was severely trapped within the steering compartment of his truck, requiring painstaking extrication by our Rescue and Recovery Team. The second deceased was carefully retrieved from beneath one of the trucks following an intensive search and recovery operation conducted under strict safety protocols,” the statement read.
LASTMA stated that the recovery efforts were carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), whose technical expertise was crucial in the complex operation.
Security at the scene was maintained by personnel from the Ilasa Police Division, ensuring perimeter control and preservation of evidence.
“Further exemplifying robust inter-agency collaboration, the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit promptly evacuated the remains of both victims upon notification by LASTMA, thereby enabling the progression of recovery activities and the gradual restoration of vehicular flow along the strategically vital logistics corridor.
“Upon the conclusion of on-site operations, LASTMA formally handed over the incident to officers of the Ilasa Police Division, whose statutory mandate encompasses conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the immediate and remote causes of the tragic occurrence,” the statement added.
LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incident as a sobering testament to the inherent vulnerabilities associated with high-density freight corridors.
He urged operators of articulated vehicles to remain safety-conscious, comply with speed limits, and adhere strictly to regulatory frameworks designed to protect lives and property.
“Bakare-Oki further underscored that nocturnal freight operations demand heightened vigilance, calculated manoeuvring and the deployment of adequate warning mechanisms to forestall preventable tragedies,” the agency noted.
Motorists were also urged to exercise prudence, comply with traffic rules, and promptly notify emergency authorities of hazardous situations along the highways.
Confirming the development, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency also reported the death of two people in the crash.
According to a statement by LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the accident involved a two-containerised truck with no number plate.
“One of the trucks had rammed into the other stationary truck, with the impact causing the driver and his assistant to be trapped in the crash. Upon arrival at the scene, the LASEMA Eagle Response Team discovered an incident involving two 40-foot containerised trucks with unknown registration numbers,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
He added, “Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the containerised trucks rammed into another stationary 40-foot containerised truck from behind due to excessive speed. The impact of the collision resulted in the driver of the moving truck and his motor boy being trapped inside the truck cabin. Despite ongoing rescue and recovery efforts, both victims were confirmed dead at the scene.”
Oke-Osanyintolu said that efforts were ongoing to evacuate the affected trucks and recover the bodies of the deceased. He urged motorists to embrace responsible driving to prevent fatal accidents.
“Recovery operations are currently underway, including the evacuation of the affected trucks and the commodities to restore normal traffic flow. Traffic management and control measures have also been implemented to forestall any secondary incidents.
“Motorists are advised to exercise patience and comply with traffic directives while clearance operations continue. The Agency reiterates the importance of responsible driving, particularly adherence to speed regulations, to prevent avoidable tragedies on our roads,” he concluded.