Lagos Truck Collision Claims Two Lives at Mile 12
Two people lost their lives early Thursday morning following a severe truck accident at Cele Bus Stop, inward Mile 12, Lagos. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that the victims, a truck driver and his motor boy, were trapped in the cabin of a 40-foot containerized truck and pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the tragedy occurred when a moving container truck collided forcefully with a stationary 40-foot truck. Overspeeding has been identified as the primary factor contributing to the collision. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, stated that the moving vehicle failed to stop in time, ramming the stationary truck from behind. Emergency responders rushed to the scene immediately after the crash. Rescue teams attempted to extract the victims from the wreckage, but both succumbed to their injuries before they could be saved. Authorities are now focusing on evacuating the trucks and their cargo to restore normal traffic flow along this critical commuter route.
Traffic management and control measures have been deployed to prevent secondary incidents. Motorists passing through Mile 12 have been advised to exercise patience, comply with directives, and drive cautiously while clearance and recovery operations are ongoing.
This incident highlights the persistent dangers posed by overspeeding, especially among heavy-duty vehicles in Lagos. Container trucks, due to their size and mass, can cause catastrophic consequences in collisions. The Mile 12 crash is not an isolated case; similar fatalities have occurred on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and Otedola Bridge, underscoring systemic challenges in road safety enforcement.
Road safety analysts argue that stricter monitoring of truck operators, comprehensive driver training, and routine inspections could reduce the frequency of such incidents. Moreover, public awareness campaigns targeting both drivers and commuters remain essential. Despite ongoing infrastructural and surveillance investments, the human factor, overspeeding, negligence, and impatience continue to drive preventable fatalities across the state.
As Lagos grapples with heavy vehicular traffic daily, this accident serves as a grim reminder of the fragile balance between commercial transport efficiency and public safety. The state government and emergency agencies are expected to sustain intensified patrols and regulatory measures to avert future tragedies. Meanwhile, families of the victims are left mourning, and commuters face continued disruption until full restoration of traffic flow.
Above all, the Mile 12 crash emphasizes the urgent need for a disciplined driving culture and adherence to traffic regulations. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to preventing similar fatalities, warning that compliance with speed limits and traffic directives is non-negotiable for public safety.
