A mother and her child have died after two container-laden trucks overturned near Freeman Market at Mile 2, inward Apapa, Lagos State, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has said.

The fatal crash occurred over the weekend, with both victims trapped beneath the overturned trucks and their 20-foot containerised cargoes, according to a statement by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.

LASTMA’s rescue and recovery teams responded to the scene, cordoned off the affected section of the road and diverted traffic through an adjoining service lane to reduce congestion and prevent further accidents.

The agency deployed a crane and a heavy-duty tow vehicle to remove the trucks and containers. Officers of the Nigeria Police Force provided security during the recovery operation, while the victims’ remains were taken to the Police Mortuary in Yaba for necessary procedures.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and called for a thorough investigation to establish the cause of the accident.

He said investigators should determine whether mechanical defects, overloading, improper cargo distribution, driver negligence or other factors contributed to the trucks overturning.

Bakare-Oki also urged operators of articulated vehicles to ensure their trucks are roadworthy, secure their loads properly and comply with road safety regulations.

The cause of the crash has not yet been established, and there has been no confirmed finding that any of the suspected factors caused the incident.

The deaths add to concerns about the risks posed by heavy-duty vehicles transporting containers on Lagos roads. Determining the circumstances of the Mile 2 crash will be important in identifying any safety failures and preventing similar tragedies.