Two dispatch riders have lost their lives after a 20-feet container fell on them following a crash involving two fully loaded Mack trucks on Eko Bridge inward Alaka in Lagos on Sunday, May 11.
The spoesperson of the Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq, in a statement said that preliminary findings suggest that the driver of one of the articulated trucks, reportedly driving at an excessive speed while allegedly dozing off, lost control of the vehicle.
He said that the truck then careened into another moving truck ahead of it, triggering a violent impact.
This catastrophic collision, according to Taofiq, led to the dislodgement of a 20-foot container from one of the trucks, which subsequently crushed two unsuspecting dispatch riders. Both victims were confirmed d3ad at the scene
According to Taofiq, the dispatch riders, with vehicle registration numbers T-10357 LA and KJA 107 XM were commuting on the axis when the accident happened.
“Preliminary findings suggest that the driver of one of the articulated trucks, reportedly driving at an excessive speed while allegedly dozing off, lost control of the vehicle,” the statement read.
“The truck then careened into another moving trucks ahead of it, triggering a violent impact.
“This collision led to the dislodgement of a 20-foot container from one of the trucks, which subsequently crushed two unsuspecting dispatch riders who were navigating the route at the time.
“Both victims were confirmed d3ad at the scene.”
Taofiq stated that LASTMA officers, who were monitoring traffic under the Eko Bridge, quickly responded to the incident and rescued a severely injured truck driver.
He said the driver was rushed to a nearby hospital in a Lagos State Government ambulance for immediate medical care.
The spokesperson noted that two truck drivers fled the scene, likely due to fear of consequences, and investigations are ongoing to track and apprehend them.
He said the affected area has been cordoned by LASTMA and has redirected traffic through Coastain Roundabout to prevent further incidents and ensure road safety.
LASTMA’s General Manager, Bakare-Oki, condoled with the families affected by the tragic incident, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of lives.
He also emphasised the importance of responsible driving, especially for articulated vehicle operators, and urged all drivers to exercise caution, stay alert, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey.