Two die in late-night container truck collision at Cele, Lagos
Two persons have been confirmed dead following a late-night road accident involving two fully loaded container trucks along the Cele inward axis of the Oshodi–Apapa Expressway, Mile 2 area of Lagos.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, said the crash occurred at night along the busy logistics corridor and involved two 40-foot containerised trucks.
According to the Authority, the accident claimed the life of one of the truck drivers, identified as the driver of the truck with registration number T-392 LA. Another victim was described as a suspected miscreant, whose presence around the articulated vehicles could not be immediately explained at the time emergency responders arrived at the scene.
LASTMA explained that the impact of the collision was severe, leaving the deceased driver trapped inside the steering compartment of the truck.
Operatives of the Authority’s Rescue and Recovery Team were said to have carried out a careful and technical operation to retrieve the driver’s body from the wreckage.
“The force of the collision left the driver severely trapped inside the cabin, requiring a painstaking rescue and recovery operation,” the agency stated.
The body of the second victim was later discovered beneath one of the trucks and was recovered after an intensive search carried out under strict safety procedures.
The rescue and recovery exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, whose technical support was described as critical to the success of the operation.
Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Ilasa Police Division were also on ground to secure the area and ensure that evidence at the scene was properly preserved.
LASTMA further disclosed that the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, SEHMU, evacuated the remains of both victims after being notified, a development that allowed traffic to be gradually restored along the corridor.
The incident was subsequently handed over to officers of the Ilasa Police Division for a full investigation to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the crash.
Reacting, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the dangers associated with high-density freight routes.
“The incident is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities on high-density freight corridors,” Bakare-Oki said.
He urged drivers of articulated vehicles to exercise discipline, obey speed limits and comply strictly with traffic regulations put in place to protect lives and property.
Bakare-Oki also stressed that night-time freight operations require extra caution.
“Nocturnal operations demand heightened vigilance, careful manoeuvring and the use of adequate warning signals to prevent avoidable tragedies,” he added.
LASTMA advised members of the public to remain cautious on the roads, obey traffic laws and promptly alert emergency agencies whenever dangerous situations are observed.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to traffic safety and continued collaboration with relevant emergency and security agencies across Lagos State.
