Accident scene
A tragic accident in Lagos on Tuesday claimed the lives of a police officer and a female commuter when a fully loaded 40-foot container truck overturned and landed on a tricycle in the Ijora area of the city.
According to a statement by the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the container-laden truck with registration number XP 368 AKD was navigating under the Ijora Bridge toward Ijora Seven-Up when the driver lost control.
> “Preliminary investigations suggest that the truck overturned while making a dangerous maneuver beneath the Ijora Bridge,” Bakare-Oki said.
“The container fell directly onto a commercial tricycle, killing two of its occupants instantly—including a serving police officer.”
The tricycle, bearing registration KJA 364 QN, was completely crushed in the impact.
Two other occupants, including the tricycle rider, were rescued alive but suffered serious leg injuries.
> “Our operatives, working closely with emergency responders, were able to pull out the surviving victims despite the extent of the wreckage. Both have been taken to Jimsan Hospital, Gasikiya, Ijora by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) for urgent treatment,” Bakare-Oki confirmed.
The deceased police officer’s body was taken to a morgue in Yaba, while the family of the second deceased victim arrived at the scene to retrieve her remains.
In response to growing tension at the accident site, combined teams of police officers from Badia, Trinity, and Kirikiri Divisions were deployed to secure the area.
> “Some members of the public attempted to set the container truck ablaze in anger,” Bakare-Oki revealed.
“Thanks to swift intervention by security forces, the situation was brought under control, and emergency operations continued without interference.”
The LASTMA boss expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the quick recovery of the two survivors still receiving treatment.
> “This incident is a deeply painful reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and poorly secured cargo,” he said.
Bakare-Oki praised the professionalism of emergency agencies and security personnel for their coordinated response, which he said helped prevent further loss of life or property.
He also issued a stern warning to truck drivers and logistics companies:
> “We once again urge all operators of articulated vehicles to exercise extreme caution—especially when driving under bridges, around intersections, and through densely populated traffic areas. These tragedies are preventable.”
