A mother and her child have been killed after two heavily laden 20-foot container trucks overturned at Mile 2, near Freeman Market, inward Apapa, Lagos.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) disclosed this in a statement, saying the victims were trapped beneath the overturned trucks and their cargoes, sustaining fatal injuries.

LASTMA’s rescue and recovery personnel responded to the incident over the weekend, cordoning off the affected section of the road and diverting motorists through an adjoining service lane to ease traffic congestion and prevent further accidents.

The agency deployed a crane and a heavy-duty tow vehicle to remove the overturned trucks and their containers, while officers of the Nigeria Police Force provided security during the recovery operation.

The remains of the deceased were subsequently evacuated to the Police Mortuary in Yaba for necessary procedures.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the bereaved family, describing the incident as a tragic loss.

He called on relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Bakare-Oki said the investigation should determine whether mechanical defects, overloading, improper cargo distribution, driver negligence or other factors contributed to the incident.

He also urged operators of articulated trucks to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy, secure their cargoes properly and comply with established road safety regulations.

The LASTMA boss stressed that regular vehicle inspections, responsible driving and strict adherence to safety standards were essential to preventing avoidable deaths on Lagos roads.