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Tragedy struck on Sunday, May 11, as two dispatch riders lost their lives when a 20-foot container fell on them following a crash involving two fully loaded Mack trucks on Eko Bridge, inward Alaka, Lagos.
According to Adebayo Taofiq, spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of one of the articulated trucks was allegedly speeding and may have dozed off behind the wheel. He subsequently lost control of the vehicle, which veered into another moving truck ahead of it, resulting in a violent collision.
The impact of the crash caused a 20-foot container to become dislodged from one of the trucks, crushing the two dispatch riders who were passing by at the time. Both victims were confirmed dead at the scene.
The dispatch riders were identified by their vehicle registration numbers, T-10357 LA and KJA 107 XM.
“Preliminary findings suggest that the driver of one of the articulated trucks, reportedly driving at excessive speed while allegedly dozing off, lost control of the vehicle,” Taofiq said in an official statement.
“The truck then careened into another moving truck, triggering a violent impact. This collision led to the dislodgement of a 20-foot container, which subsequently crushed two unsuspecting dispatch riders navigating the route.”
LASTMA officials stationed under Eko Bridge quickly responded to the incident. They rescued a severely injured truck driver, who was rushed to a nearby hospital by a Lagos State Government ambulance for urgent medical attention.
Taofiq also revealed that two of the truck drivers fled the scene, likely out of fear of prosecution. Authorities are currently investigating and working to locate and apprehend the suspects.
To ensure safety and prevent further incidents, LASTMA has cordoned off the affected area and redirected traffic through the Costain Roundabout.
LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and conveyed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. He also stressed the importance of responsible driving, particularly by operators of articulated vehicles, urging all drivers to remain vigilant, avoid fatigue, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting out.
