Tragic Crash in Epe: Dangote Truck Kills Over 20 in Market; Lawmaker Demands Urgent Safety Reforms

Tragic Crash in Epe: Dangote Truck Kills Over 20 in Market; Lawmaker Demands Urgent Safety Reforms

Tragedy struck in Ayetoro, Epe, Lagos State, this morning as a Dangote truck lost control and crashed into the main market area, leaving over 20 people dead and many others injured. The incident has sparked outrage, as this is not the first fatal accident involving trucks in the area. 

Witnesses reported that the heavily loaded truck, carrying over 900 bags of cement, veered off course due to the excessive weight and lack of appropriate safety measures. The truck plowed through the market, causing massive destruction, killing pedestrians, and damaging properties. 

Hon. Tobun, who represents Epe 1 Constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly, raised the issue during a recent assembly session, urging the government to take immediate action to prevent future incidents. He called for stricter regulations on truck movements within Lagos State, including banning large trailers from entering densely populated areas during the day.

In his address, Hon. Tobun highlighted the need for specific measures to ensure public safety, including:

1. Alternative Routes: Trucks traveling through Epe should be diverted to designated bypasses, avoiding crowded areas to reduce the risk of accidents.

2. Speed Limits and Traffic Lights: Establishing speed limits and installing traffic lights to control vehicle movement within the community, particularly for large trucks.

3. Truck Parks: Creating designated parking areas for trucks on the outskirts of town to prevent them from obstructing roads and to organize their movement in controlled batches.

4. Enforcement of Existing Laws: Strengthening the enforcement of traffic regulations that restrict large trucks from moving within populated areas during peak hours.

5. Corporate Responsibility: Calling on companies, including Dangote Group, to contribute to community safety initiatives and support victims through corporate social responsibility programs.

Immediately after the accident, police officers and Nigerian Army personnel were deployed to the scene to prevent looting and restore order. Local residents, however, expressed frustration, claiming that companies like Dangote Group have yet to show adequate concern or provide support for the affected communities despite repeated accidents involving their vehicles.

The incident has renewed calls for accountability, with residents and officials alike urging that truck owners and operators who violate road safety laws be prosecuted for manslaughter.