Tragedy struck yesterday morning as two dispatch riders lost their lives in a horrific accident involving two container-laden MACK trucks on Eko Bridge inward Alaka Estate, Surulere, Lagos.
The Guardian learnt that the accident occurred at about 7:20 a.m., when one of the trucks, a white MACK with registration number T10-357LA, suffered a brake failure while in motion. This led to a loss of control and a fatal collision with a blue MACK truck, registration number KJA-107SL, resulting in one of the containers dislodging and crushing the riders.
Eyewitnesses reported that one of the dispatch riders, pinned to the side of the bridge by the fallen container, was crushed to death while attempting to manoeuvre through the gridlock caused by the accident.
In a statement, Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Media and Public Enlightenment at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), confirmed the incident, describing it as grisly. He said the bodies of the deceased had been evacuated to the mortuary, while one of the truck drivers, who sustained severe injuries, was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
“Preliminary findings suggest that the driver of one of the articulated trucks was driving at an excessive speed and may have dozed off, leading to the catastrophic collision,” Adebayo stated. He added that two truck drivers fled the scene, presumably out of fear of the grim aftermath.
A coordinated response from LASTMA officers, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, and other agencies ensured swift action to cordon off the affected area and redirect traffic through alternative routes.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, emphasising the importance of responsible driving and regular vehicle maintenance. He also urged drivers, particularly those operating heavy-duty vehicles, to remain vigilant and adhere to road safety protocols.
He further disclosed that investigations are ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing drivers involved in the crash.
