Tragedy struck on Tuesday in the Ijora area of Lagos when a fully loaded 40-foot container truck overturned and crushed a commercial tricycle, killing two passengers instantly, including a serving Police officer.
According to a statement issued by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the accident occurred along Ijora Causeway, inward Ijora 7Up, after the truck, with registration number XP 368 AKD, lost control while attempting a dangerous manoeuvre beneath the Ijora Bridge.
The tricycle, with registration number KJA 364 QN, was conveying unsuspecting passengers at the time of the incident.
The remains of the Police officer were conveyed to a morgue in Yaba by security operatives, while relatives of the second victim, a female passenger, retrieved her body at the scene.
Two other victims, including the tricycle operator, were rescued alive with severe leg fractures and were rushed by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) to Jimsan Hospital, Gasikiya, Ijora, for emergency treatment.
The situation almost escalated as irate bystanders attempted to set the truck ablaze, but security personnel from Badia, Trinity, and Kirikiri Police Divisions quickly intervened, cordoning off the scene and preventing further chaos.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
He commended emergency responders and security agencies for their professionalism and swift action, which prevented further casualties.
LASTMA also urged truck and articulated vehicle drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially around bridges and busy corridors, to avoid a recurrence of such tragic accidents.