Lagos: Police officer, 1 other killed as container truck crushes tricycle

A tragic accident at the Ijora Causeway in Lagos on Tuesday claimed the lives of two people, including a serving police officer, after a fully loaded 40-foot container truck overturned onto a commercial tricycle.

The crash occurred inward Ijora 7Up, beneath the Ijora Bridge, and involved a truck with registration number XP 368 AKD and a tricycle marked KJA 364 QN.

According to preliminary reports from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the truck driver lost control while attempting a dangerous maneuver, causing the massive container to topple onto the tricycle carrying passengers.

Both the police officer and a female commuter died instantly. Security operatives later moved the officer’s remains to a morgue in Yaba, while the deceased female passenger’s body was released to her family at the scene.

Two survivors — including the tricycle operator — were rescued with severe leg fractures and taken by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) to Jimi Ogunyemi Hospital, Gasikiya, Ijora, for urgent medical care.

The incident sparked chaos as enraged bystanders attempted to set the truck ablaze, but policemen from Badia, Trinity, and Kirikiri divisions swiftly intervened to restore order and protect emergency responders.

LASTMA’s general manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the accident as “deeply grievous and most regrettable.” He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured victims.

He also praised the swift collaboration between emergency and security agencies, noting that their timely intervention prevented further loss of lives and escalation of the crisis.

Bakare-Oki used the opportunity to warn truck drivers and articulated vehicle operators against reckless maneuvers, particularly around bridges and congested roads, urging them to exercise extreme caution to prevent a repeat of such tragic incidents.