A mother and her child have died after two heavily loaded 20-foot container trucks overturned at Mile 2, near Freeman Market, inward Apapa, Lagos.
The victims were trapped beneath the overturned trucks and their containers in the accident, which occurred over the weekend.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said its rescue and recovery teams responded to the scene to evacuate the victims and clear the wreckage.
The agency temporarily cordoned off the affected road and diverted traffic through an adjoining service lane to ease congestion and prevent further accidents.
LASTMA deployed a crane and a high-capacity tow vehicle to remove the overturned trucks and their cargoes, while police officers provided security during the operation.
The remains of the victims were subsequently taken to the police mortuary in Yaba for necessary procedures.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sadness over the incident and called for a thorough investigation to determine its cause.
He urged relevant security agencies to establish whether mechanical faults, overloading, improper cargo distribution, driver negligence or other factors contributed to the crash.
Bakare-Oki also called on truck operators to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy, secure their cargo properly and comply with road safety regulations.
He stressed the importance of regular vehicle inspections and responsible driving, particularly among operators of heavy-duty articulated vehicles, to prevent avoidable accidents.