The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed that a police officer and a female passenger lost their lives on Tuesday after a 40-foot container truck toppled onto a tricycle at the Ijora Causeway.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, general manager of LASTMA, explained that the crash happened when the truck, with registration number XP 368 AKD, attempted a dangerous manoeuvre under the Ijora Bridge, lost control, and crushed the tricycle with registration number KJA 364 QN.
“Two passengers, including a serving police officer, died instantly,” Bakare-Oki said in a statement.
He added that the officer’s remains have been deposited at a mortuary in Yaba, while relatives of the female passenger rushed to the scene to retrieve her body.
According to him, LASTMA officials and emergency responders rescued two survivors, including the tricycle driver, from the wreckage. Both sustained serious bilateral leg fractures.
Bakare-Oki said the victims were immediately taken to Jimsan Hospital, Gasikiya, Ijora, by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) for emergency care.
He noted that security operatives from Badia, Trinity, and Kirikiri police divisions cordoned off the area to manage the crowd and prevent angry residents from setting the container truck ablaze, ensuring the safety of the rescue teams.
Bakare-Oki extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a quick recovery.
He commended the swift intervention of emergency and security personnel, which helped avert further casualties and unrest.
He also appealed to truck drivers to remain extremely cautious, particularly when navigating bridges, intersections, and busy roads, to avoid similar incidents.