Two killed as trucks collide on Oshodi-Apapa expressway

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed that two people lost their lives after two fully loaded 40-foot container trucks collided along the Cele inward axis of the Oshodi–Apapa Expressway, Mile 2, Lagos, on Thursday.

In a statement, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, said one of the victims was the driver of truck T-392 LA.

The other fatality was a suspected trespasser, though it was not immediately clear why the person was near the trucks at the time of the accident.

“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.

The agency said the recovery efforts were conducted in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, whose specialised technical support was key in the complex operation.

It added that 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.

The agency said its General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has 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 reiterated the Authority’s sustained advocacy for disciplined and responsible driving conduct, urging operators of articulated vehicles to remain perpetually safety-conscious, adhere strictly to prescribed speed thresholds and comply with all regulatory frameworks instituted by the government to safeguard 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 urged members of the motoring public to exercise prudence, remain compliant with traffic regulations and promptly notify emergency authorities whenever hazardous situations are observed along the highways.

Very Nigerian gathered from a statement on Thursday by the LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, that the incident involved a two-containerised truck with no number plate.

Oke-Osanyintolu stated that 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.

He stated, “Upon arrival at the scene, the LASEMA Eagle Response Team discovered an incident involving two 40-foot containerised trucks with unknown registration numbers.

“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.”

He noted that efforts were ongoing to evacuate the affected trucks and to recover the bodies of the deceased victims.

Oke-Osanyintolu urged motorists on the need to embrace responsible driving to avert fatal occurrences.

“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,” Oke-Osanyintolu concluded.

This comes barely two days after a truck killed six people along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

Very Nigerian had reported that the truck lost its brakes before colliding with two vehicles and bystanders at the Old Toll-Gate section of the expressway.

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