Tragedy struck on Tuesday as a fully loaded 40-foot container truck overturned onto a commercial tricycle killing two people, including a serving police officer.
According to a statement by Adebayo Taofiq, the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the incident occurred at Ijora Causeway, Lagos.
Taofiq also disclosed that preliminary results indicated that the truck lost control during a dangerous maneuver, causing the container to topple onto the tricycle carrying passengers.
He said a police officer and a female commuter died instantly.
The statement confirmed that security operatives later moved the officer’s remains to a morgue in Yaba, while the deceased female passenger’s body was released to her family at the scene.
He added that, “Two survivors — including the tricycle operator — were rescued with severe leg fractures and taken by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) to Jimi Ogunyemi Hospital, Gasikiya, Ijora, for urgent medical care.”
The incident sparked chaos as enraged bystanders attempted to set the truck ablaze, but policemen from Badia, Trinity, and Kirikiri divisions swiftly intervened to restore order and protect emergency responders.
LASTMA’s general manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the accident as “deeply grievous and most regrettable.” He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured victims.
He also praised the swift collaboration between emergency and security agencies, noting that their timely intervention prevented further loss of lives and escalation of the crisis.
Bakare-Oki used the opportunity to warn truck drivers and articulated vehicle operators against reckless maneuvers, particularly around bridges and congested roads, urging them to exercise extreme caution to prevent a repeat of such tragic incidents.
