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Two people have died following a collision involving two fully loaded 40-foot container trucks along the Cele inward stretch of the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway at Mile 2 in Lagos.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the fatalities in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq.
The agency said one of the victims was the driver of one of the trucks, while the second was believed to be a trespasser found near the crash scene.
According to the statement, the truck driver was trapped inside the mangled steering compartment and had to be carefully extricated by the agency’s rescue team.
The second body was recovered from beneath one of the trucks after what officials described as a thorough search carried out under strict safety measures.
LASTMA said the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), whose technical team provided support during the complex rescue effort.
Officers from the Ilasa Police Division secured the scene to maintain order and safeguard evidence.
The State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit later evacuated the remains, allowing recovery work to continue and traffic flow to gradually resume.
The agency stated that the matter has been handed over to the police for a full investigation to determine both immediate and underlying causes of the crash.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki extended condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with heavy freight traffic routes.
He reiterated the authority’s call for strict compliance with traffic regulations, urging vehicle operators to adhere to speed limits and safety guidelines.
Members of the public were advised to remain vigilant on the roads and promptly alert emergency responders when hazardous situations arise.
Confirming the incident, LASEMA said preliminary findings indicated that one moving container truck rammed into another that was stationary, allegedly due to excessive speed.
The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, explained that the impact left the driver and his assistant trapped inside the cabin and that both were pronounced dead at the scene despite rescue efforts.
He added that evacuation of the damaged trucks and their cargo was ongoing to restore normal traffic movement, while traffic control measures had been put in place to prevent secondary accidents.
Motorists were urged to remain patient and comply with directives from traffic officials as clearance operations continue.
“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.”
