Two Killed as Container Trucks Collide on Lagos Oshodi-Apapa Expressway
Two individuals have tragically lost their lives following a severe collision involving two fully loaded 40-foot container trucks along the Cele axis of the Oshodi–Apapa Expressway in Mile 2, Lagos. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 19, 2026, and was confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Details of the Fatal Incident
The Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, issued a statement identifying the victims as one of the truck drivers and an alleged miscreant. According to the statement, the collision was a catastrophic nocturnal event that resulted in the untimely demise of both individuals. The driver, operating a truck with registration number T-392 LA, was severely entrapped within the steering compartment, requiring painstaking technical extrication by rescue teams.
Rescue and Recovery Operations
LASTMA personnel demonstrated commendable rapidity and professional coordination in executing meticulous rescue procedures. They retrieved the driver's remains and carefully evacuated the lifeless body of the miscreant from beneath one of the trucks. This intensive search and recovery exercise was conducted under rigorous safety protocols, with seamless operational synergy involving the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), whose specialised technical intervention proved indispensable.
Inter-Agency Collaboration and Security Measures
Security reinforcement was provided by personnel from the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Ilasa Police Division, ensuring effective perimeter control and preservation of evidentiary integrity at the scene. Additionally, the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) promptly evacuated the remains of both victims upon notification by LASTMA, facilitating the progression of recovery activities and gradual restoration of vehicular flow along this strategically vital logistics corridor.
Investigation and Official Statements
Upon concluding on-site operations, LASTMA formally handed over the incident to officers of the Ilasa Police Division for a comprehensive investigation to determine the immediate and remote causes. The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, describing the incident as a sobering testament to the inherent vulnerabilities associated with high-density freight corridors.
Calls for Enhanced Road Safety
Bakare-Oki reiterated LASTMA's sustained advocacy for disciplined and responsible driving conduct, urging operators of articulated vehicles to remain perpetually safety-conscious, adhere strictly to prescribed speed thresholds, and comply with all regulatory frameworks. He underscored that nocturnal freight operations demand heightened vigilance, calculated manoeuvring, and adequate warning mechanisms to forestall preventable tragedies. Members of the motoring public are enjoined to exercise prudence, comply with traffic regulations, and promptly notify emergency authorities of hazardous situations.
