A tragic accident occurred on Sunday along the Eko Bridge, en route to the Alaka corridor, claiming the lives of two dispatch riders. The fatal crash involved two heavily loaded Mack trucks, identified by their registration numbers T-10357 LA and KJA 107 XM.
The incident has caused an outpouring of sorrow and alarm among Lagos residents, particularly regular commuters.
According to a statement by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), initial findings suggest that one of the truck drivers, who was reportedly speeding and may have dozed off while driving, lost control of his vehicle. This led to a collision with another truck ahead.
The impact of the crash caused a 20-foot container to fall from one of the trucks, crushing the two dispatch riders who were riding nearby. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
LASTMA officers patrolling under the bridge were quick to respond to the emergency. One of the truck drivers, who sustained serious injuries, was rushed to a hospital via a Lagos State Government ambulance. However, the other two truck drivers involved fled the scene, likely fearing the consequences.
To ensure safety and prevent further accidents, LASTMA personnel secured the crash site and diverted traffic through the Costain Roundabout toward the National Stadium via Alaka.
LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and condemned the reckless driving behavior that led to such a devastating loss. He emphasized the urgent need for more responsible conduct from drivers of heavy-duty vehicles.
Efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the drivers who fled. In addition, LASTMA continues to run public safety awareness initiatives aimed at improving driver behavior—especially among operators of large trucks.
Emergency agencies at the scene included LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), SEHMU, and officers from the Iporin Division of the Nigeria Police Force.