A tragic accident on Eko Bridge, inward Alaka in Lagos, claimed the lives of two dispatch riders on Sunday after a high-speed truck rammed into another vehicle, causing a 20-foot container to fall and crush the riders.
According to initial reports, the driver of a Mack truck bearing registration number T-10357 LA was allegedly dozing while driving at high speed when he lost control and collided with another truck, registered as KJA 107 XM.
The force of the impact led to the container detaching and crashing onto the riders who happened to be on the bridge at that moment.
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who were on patrol beneath the bridge, responded swiftly.
They managed to rescue one of the injured truck drivers, who was promptly taken to the hospital via a Lagos State Government ambulance.
The other two truck drivers, however, fled the scene. Authorities say efforts are currently underway to track them down.
In a statement issued later, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended his sympathies to the bereaved families.
Describing the incident as deeply unfortunate, he emphasized the importance of responsible driving practices.
“Drivers must ensure they are fit to drive and that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey,” he said, adding that LASTMA is maintaining its public awareness efforts, particularly among operators of articulated vehicles.
To mitigate further risk and maintain order, LASTMA personnel cordoned off the crash site and redirected traffic through the Costain Roundabout toward Alaka and the National Stadium axis.
Several other emergency units were on ground to assist, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, and the Iporin Police Division.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
