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Mother, child die as two container trucks overturn in Lagos

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A mother and her child have died after two fully loaded 20-foot container trucks overturned at Mile 2, near Freeman Market, inward Apapa, Lagos State.

The victims were reportedly trapped beneath the overturned trucks and their containers in the incident, which occurred over the weekend.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said its rescue and recovery team arrived at the scene to evacuate the victims and clear the wreckage.

To manage traffic congestion and prevent further accidents, the agency temporarily cordoned off the affected section of the road and diverted motorists through an adjoining service lane.

LASTMA also deployed a crane and a high-capacity tow vehicle to remove the overturned trucks and their cargoes, while officers of the Nigeria Police Force provided security during the recovery operation.

The bodies of the deceased were subsequently transported to the police mortuary in Yaba for necessary procedures.

Expressing sadness over the tragedy, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, called for a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

He urged relevant security agencies to establish whether mechanical faults, overloading, improper cargo distribution, driver negligence or other factors contributed to the incident.

Bakare-Oki also appealed to truck operators to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy, secure their loads appropriately and adhere strictly to established road safety regulations.

He emphasised the importance of regular vehicle inspections and responsible driving, particularly among operators of heavy-duty articulated vehicles, to prevent avoidable road accidents.

Credit: LASTMA