A fatal accident involving a 40-foot container truck and a commercial tricycle claimed the lives of an unidentified policeman and a female passenger in the Ijora Seven-Up area of Lagos State on Tuesday morning.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) stated that the truck lost control while attempting to maneuver beneath the Ijora Bridge, tipping over and crushing the tricycle, which was fully loaded with passengers.
According to LASTMA spokesperson Taofiq Adebayo, the accident left two additional victims, including the tricycle operator, with severe bilateral leg fractures. They were extricated alive by emergency responders and taken to Jim’san Hospital for treatment.
The remains of the deceased police officer were conveyed to a morgue by security operatives, while the female victim’s body was retrieved at the scene by her relatives.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki extended condolences to the families of the deceased and offered prayers for the recovery of the injured. He praised the emergency and security teams for their prompt and professional response, which prevented further casualties and stopped irate youths from attacking the truck.
In the statement, LASTMA urged truck and articulated vehicle drivers to exercise extreme caution when navigating bridges, intersections, and busy roads to prevent similar accidents.
This incident adds to a worrying trend of container truck-related crashes in Lagos, often attributed to reckless driving, poorly maintained vehicles, and insufficient enforcement of road safety regulations.