Two people, a truck driver and a miscreant, died in a collision involving two fully laden 40-foot containerized trucks along Cele inward axis of the Oshodi–Apapa Expressway, Mile 2, Lagos.
Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the occurrence of the midnight accident.
According to LASTMA Spokesman, Adebayo Taofiq, the fatal impact claimed the life of one of the truck (T-392 LA) drivers and a suspected miscreant, whose presence within the operational perimeter of the articulated vehicles could not be immediately established at the time of response.
“The ferocity of the collision left the deceased driver severely entrapped within the steering compartment of his truck, thereby necessitating painstaking technical extrication by operatives of the Authority’s Rescue and Recovery Team.
“Demonstrating commendable rapidity and professional coordination, LASTMA personnel undertook meticulous rescue procedures to retrieve the driver’s remains, while the lifeless body of the miscreant was carefully evacuated from beneath one of the trucks following an intensive search and recovery exercise executed under rigorous safety protocols.
“The operation was conducted in synergy with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), whose specialised technical intervention proved indispensable in facilitating the complex recovery undertaking.
“Security reinforcement was simultaneously provided by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Ilasa Police Division, ensuring effective perimeter control and the preservation of evidentiary integrity at the scene.
“Further exemplifying robust inter-agency collaboration, the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) promptly evacuated the remains of both victims upon notification by LASTMA, thereby enabling the progression of recovery activities and the gradual restoration of vehicular flow along the strategically vital logistics corridor.
“Upon the conclusion of on-site operations, LASTMA formally handed over the incident to officers of the Ilasa Police Division, whose statutory mandate encompasses conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the immediate and remote causes of the tragic occurrence.
“The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, describing the incident as a sobering testament to the inherent vulnerabilities associated with high-density freight corridors.
“He reiterated the Authority’s sustained advocacy for disciplined and responsible driving conduct, urging operators of articulated vehicles to remain perpetually safety-conscious, adhere strictly to prescribed speed thresholds and comply with all regulatory frameworks instituted by government to safeguard lives and property.
“Bakare-Oki further underscored that nocturnal freight operations demand heightened vigilance, calculated manoeuvring and the deployment of adequate warning mechanisms to forestall preventable tragedies.
“Members of the motoring public are therefore enjoined to exercise prudence, remain compliant with traffic regulations and promptly notify emergency authorities whenever hazardous situations are observed along the highways.”
