Two dispatch riders were crushed to death on Sunday morning following a collision between two fully loaded Mack trucks on the Eko Bridge, inward Alaka, Lagos.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the accident occurred when one of the trucks, reportedly driven at high speed and by a dozing driver, lost control and rammed into another truck ahead. The impact caused a 20-foot container to fall off, landing on the two dispatch riders passing by.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed the incident in a statement released by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Mr. Taofiq Adebayo.
“Preliminary investigations suggest the truck driver fell asleep behind the wheel, leading to the crash and the tragic deaths of the two motorcyclists,” the statement said. Both riders died instantly.
While one of the truck drivers was rescued with serious injuries and taken to a nearby hospital by a state ambulance, the other two drivers involved in the accident fled the scene.
Bakare-Oki stated that LASTMA officials immediately secured the area, diverting traffic through the Coastain Roundabout to prevent further danger. An investigation is ongoing to locate the fleeing drivers.
Emergency responders, including LASEMA, the Lagos Fire Service, Police from Iporin Division, and other agencies, also arrived promptly to manage the situation.
The LASTMA boss offered condolences to the families of the victims and used the opportunity to urge all drivers, especially operators of heavy-duty trucks, to maintain alertness and ensure their vehicles are in good condition before hitting the road.
He also highlighted the agency’s continued campaign to promote road safety across Lagos.
