In a horrifying crash on Eko Bridge inward Alaka this morning, two dispatch riders were killed instantly after a 20-foot container fell on them following a collision between two fully loaded Mack trucks.
According to initial reports, the driver of a truck (Reg. No: T-10357 LA) allegedly fell asleep while speeding, veering into another moving truck (KHA 107 XM). The violent impact caused a container to dislodge and fatally crush the riders who were navigating the route.
LASTMA officials stationed under the bridge responded swiftly. One injured truck driver was rescued and rushed to the hospital, while the two other drivers fled the scene, likely fearing mob action or legal consequences.
LASTMA's Director of Public Affairs, Adebayo Taofiq, and General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sorrow over the tragic loss and urged heavy-duty drivers to prioritise alertness and vehicle fitness.
“We must continue to drive responsibly. One moment of negligence can destroy families and lives,” Bakare-Oki said.
Other emergency agencies on-site included LASEMA, Fire Services, LNSC, SEHMU, and the Iponri Police Division.
This accident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of rest regulations for long-haul drivers and better container fastening mechanisms.
