TWO DIE AS CONTAINER TRUCKS COLLIDE ON OSHODI–APAPA EXPRESSWAY
Read Time:2 Minute, 21 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the death of two persons following a 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 its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA said one of the deceased was the driver of truck T-392 LA, while the second victim was a suspected trespasser found beneath one of the vehicles.
According to the agency, the driver was severely trapped inside the steering compartment of his truck and had to be extricated by its Rescue and Recovery Team in a painstaking operation. The second body was recovered following an intensive search conducted under strict safety protocols.
LASTMA said the rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), whose technical support facilitated the complex extraction process.
Security at the scene was maintained by officers from the Ilasa Police Division to ensure perimeter control and preservation of evidence. The State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit later evacuated the remains, allowing recovery efforts and gradual restoration of traffic flow along the busy logistics corridor.
Upon conclusion of on-site operations, the incident was formally handed over to the Ilasa Police Division for further investigation into its immediate and remote causes.
Confirming the development, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed one of the moving container trucks rammed into another stationary truck from behind due to excessive speed.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the LASEMA Eagle Response Team discovered an incident involving two 40-foot containerised trucks with unknown registration numbers,” he said.
“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.”
He added that evacuation of the affected trucks and commodities was ongoing to restore normal traffic flow, while traffic control measures had been implemented to prevent secondary incidents.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the families of the victims, describing the crash as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with high-density freight corridors.
He urged operators of articulated vehicles to adhere strictly to speed limits and regulatory guidelines, particularly during nocturnal freight operations which demand heightened vigilance and adequate warning mechanisms.
LASEMA also reiterated the need for motorists to exercise patience, comply with traffic directives, and prioritise safety to prevent avoidable tragedies.
The incident occurred barely two days after another truck reportedly lost its brakes and killed six people along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway at the Old Toll-Gate section, underscoring growing concerns over road safety and heavy-duty vehicle operations in Lagos.
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