By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Two dispatch riders lost their lives on Sunday morning following a collision involving two fully loaded Mack Trucks on Eko Bridge, Lagos. The tragic incident resulted in severe traffic gridlock, prompting motorists to seek alternative routes.

An eyewitness, Moruf Ayinde, reported that the crash occurred around 7 a.m. The trucks involved were identified by their registration numbers: T-10357 LA and KJA 107 XM.

The crash left the lifeless bodies of the dispatch riders on the road, causing shock and grief among motorists.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the driver of one of the articulated trucks was speeding excessively and reportedly dozing off. He lost control, veering into another truck ahead, triggering a violent collision.

“This catastrophic collision led to the dislodgement of a 20-foot container from one of the trucks, which subsequently crushed two unsuspecting dispatch riders navigating the route at the time. Both victims were confirmed dead at the scene,” Bakare-Oki confirmed.

Swift intervention by LASTMA Officers, who were on routine traffic monitoring beneath the Eko Bridge, ensured the rescue of one severely injured truck driver. He was transported to a nearby hospital via a Lagos State Government ambulance for urgent medical attention.

However, the two other truck drivers fled the scene, reportedly fearing mob action.

To prevent further incidents and ensure public safety, LASTMA personnel cordoned off the affected part of the bridge and redirected traffic through the Costain Roundabout inward to Alaka en-route Stadium.

Bakare-Oki stated that investigations are underway to trace and apprehend the fleeing drivers. Emergency responders at the scene included:

Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA)

Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services

Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LSNSC)

State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU)

Police officers from Iporin Division

In his message of condolence, Bakare-Oki expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and reiterated the importance of responsible driving, especially for operators of heavy-duty vehicles.

“Drivers must exercise utmost caution, maintain full alertness, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey,” he urged.

He also emphasized LASTMA’s ongoing public enlightenment campaigns aimed at instilling safety consciousness among drivers, particularly those handling articulated vehicles.