Tragedy struck along the Cele inward corridor of the Oshodi–Apapa Expressway at Mile 2, Lagos, on Thursday after two fully loaded 40-foot container trucks collided, leaving two persons dead, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed.
In a statement released by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, one of the victims was identified as the driver of truck with registration number T-392 LA, while the second deceased was a suspected trespasser found near the accident scene under circumstances yet to be clarified.
LASTMA disclosed that the driver was severely trapped inside the steering compartment of the truck, prompting an intensive rescue operation by its Recovery and Rescue Team.
“The driver was critically trapped within the cabin and required painstaking extrication efforts. The second deceased was later recovered beneath one of the trucks following a coordinated search and recovery exercise carried out under strict safety procedures,” the agency stated.
Emergency response operations were conducted jointly with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), whose specialised technical support aided the complex recovery process.
Security at the accident scene was maintained by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Ilasa Division, who ensured effective crowd control and preservation of evidence throughout the operation.
Authorities also confirmed that the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit evacuated the remains of the victims after notification by LASTMA, allowing emergency teams to proceed with clearance activities and gradually restore vehicular movement along the busy logistics corridor.
Following the conclusion of on-site operations, the incident was officially handed over to the Ilasa Police Division for a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the crash.
Reacting to the development, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the accident as a grim reminder of the risks associated with high-density freight routes.
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He reiterated the agency’s call for stricter adherence to safety regulations among articulated vehicle operators, urging drivers to maintain speed limits and comply fully with government traffic rules designed to protect lives and property.
Bakare-Oki further stressed that nighttime freight operations require heightened vigilance, proper manoeuvring and the use of adequate warning systems to prevent avoidable disasters.
Confirming the incident separately, LASEMA said preliminary investigations showed that one moving container truck rammed into another stationary truck due to excessive speed.
Permanent Secretary of the agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, explained that the impact trapped the driver and his assistant inside the cabin.
“Despite rescue and recovery efforts, both victims were confirmed dead at the scene,” he said.
He added that evacuation of the affected trucks and spilled cargo was ongoing to restore normal traffic flow, while traffic control measures had been put in place to prevent secondary accidents.
Motorists were advised to remain patient and comply with directives from traffic officials as clearance operations continue.
The fatal crash occurred barely two days after another truck accident claimed six lives along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway after a vehicle reportedly suffered brake failure and rammed into other road users near the Old Toll-Gate axis.