40-Foot Container Crushes Tricycle In Lagos, Killing Police Officer And Passenger While Two Others Fight For Life [VIDEO]

 

A devastating road accident on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, shook residents of Ijora, Lagos State, when a fully loaded 40-foot container fell on a commercial tricycle, instantly claiming two lives and leaving two others critically injured. The incident occurred along the Ijora Causeway, inward Ijora 7Up, drawing a large crowd of distressed onlookers who were later restrained by security forces from taking laws into their own hands.

Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying moment when the articulated truck, marked XP 368 AKD, attempted a difficult maneuver beneath the Ijora Bridge but lost control. The massive container truck toppled over, crushing a commercial tricycle with registration number KJA 364 QN that was ferrying unsuspecting passengers. Within moments, the tragic scene turned chaotic as screams echoed, and bystanders rushed to the site of the wreckage.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the accident through its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq. He described the occurrence as deeply unfortunate, stressing that the quick intervention of security and emergency responders prevented further loss of life and property. According to him, two victims, including a police officer and a female passenger, died instantly.

Security operatives swiftly evacuated the remains of the deceased officer to a morgue in Yaba, while grief-stricken relatives of the female passenger arrived at the accident site in tears to retrieve the body of their loved one. The painful sight of lifeless bodies trapped under the wreckage left the crowd visibly shaken.

Rescue efforts led by LASTMA operatives, supported by allied agencies, managed to save two other victims alive. Among them were the tricycle operator and another passenger. Both sustained severe injuries, particularly multiple fractures in their legs, and were rushed to Jimsan Hospital, Gasikiya, Ijora, by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) for emergency treatment. Medical workers at the facility confirmed the victims remain in intensive care.

An attempt by angry residents to set the container truck ablaze was foiled after combined security detachments from Badia, Trinity, and Kirikiri Police Divisions arrived promptly. They formed strong security cordons around the scene, calming the crowd and preventing the situation from escalating into mob violence. Officers on ground also ensured the safety of emergency responders, who carried out delicate rescue operations under tense conditions.

General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, later issued a statement conveying the agency’s condolences to the families of the deceased. He described the incident as most regrettable and expressed sadness over the untimely loss of the victims, particularly the serving police officer. Bakare-Oki also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured survivors and reassured Lagosians that the agency remains committed to improving road safety in the state.

Commending the emergency and security personnel who intervened, Bakare-Oki praised their professionalism and dedication. He acknowledged that their swift response not only prevented more deaths but also stopped the chaos from spiraling into a full-scale public disturbance. His message strongly emphasized the need for truck operators and drivers of articulated vehicles to maintain strict caution when navigating congested routes, bridges, and intersections across Lagos.

Accidents involving container trucks have remained a recurring concern in Lagos, often sparking public outcry over the safety of road users. The tragic event at Ijora once again highlighted the vulnerability of smaller vehicles such as tricycles and motorcycles when plying the same roads as heavy-duty trucks. Residents expressed their frustration, calling for stricter regulations and enforcement of traffic laws to reduce the frequency of such disasters.

Some onlookers blamed poor vehicle maintenance and reckless driving habits among truck operators for incidents of this nature. Others pointed to the persistent problem of unfit vehicles being allowed to operate freely in densely populated parts of the city. The clamour for stiffer penalties against negligent drivers and their employers has been reignited following this heartbreaking crash.

For the families of the victims, Tuesday’s tragedy left a permanent scar. The sudden loss of loved ones to a preventable accident underscored the fragility of life and the urgent need for authorities to enforce measures that can safeguard citizens. Beyond the immediate grief, the community continues to grapple with the fear that similar accidents could occur again if concrete steps are not taken.

As Lagos continues to expand and traffic congestion worsens, the coexistence of heavy-duty trucks and smaller commercial transport systems has increasingly become a safety challenge. Experts argue that designated truck routes, improved driver training, and stricter monitoring of articulated vehicles must be prioritized to curb the rising tide of road tragedies.

The wreckage of Tuesday’s accident has since been cleared, but the memory of the horrifying incident lingers in the minds of those who witnessed it. Families mourn, survivors fight for their lives in hospital, and Lagosians await decisive action that will hopefully prevent another calamity of this magnitude.