Container Crushes Police Officer, Passenger to Death on Ijora Causeway, Lagos

A 40-foot container truck overturned and crushed a commercial tricycle yesterday along Ijora Causeway, killing a serving police officer and a female passenger instantly.

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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the container, bearing registration number XP 368 AKD, lost control while attempting a dangerous manoeuvre under the Ijora Bridge. It toppled onto a tricycle (KJA 364 QN) carrying four people.

Two lives were lost on the spot, the police officer and one female passenger. The tricycle operator and another passenger sustained severe leg injuries and were rushed to Jimsan Hospital, Ijora for treatment.

Security operatives promptly moved in to retrieve the remains. The officer’s body was conveyed to the morgue in Yaba, while the family of the other victim collected her remains at the scene. Meanwhile, police units from Badia, Trinity, and Kirikiri divisions prevented irate onlookers from setting the truck ablaze during rescue efforts.

In a statement, LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the event as deeply tragic and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also praised the swift response of emergency and security agencies. He warned that truck drivers must exercise extreme caution, particularly when navigating bridges, bends, or densely trafficked corridors to forestall future incidents.

The incident adds to a disturbing pattern of container-related crashes in Lagos, often linked to reckless driving, insufficient vehicle maintenance, and lax enforcement of road safety rules.