Two Dispatch Riders Killed as Speeding Trucks Collide, Overturn on Eko Bridge

Two Dispatch Riders Killed as Speeding Trucks Collide, Overturn on Eko Bridge

Tragedy struck on Sunday morning along the Eko Bridge inward Alaka corridor as a horrific collision involving two articulated Mack trucks claimed the lives of two dispatch riders, leaving one truck driver severely injured and the city in mourning.

According to preliminary reports, one of the trucks, bearing registration number T-10357 LA, was allegedly being driven at high speed when the driver, suspected to have dozed off behind the wheel, lost control and rammed into another moving truck (KJA 107 XM). The impact of the collision caused a 20-foot container to dislodge and crush the two dispatch riders, who were caught in the path of the vehicles. Both victims died instantly.

Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who were on routine patrol beneath the bridge, responded swiftly to the emergency. They succeeded in rescuing one of the truck drivers, who sustained serious injuries and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital via a Lagos State Government ambulance.

However, two other truck drivers involved in the crash reportedly fled the scene, prompting authorities to launch a manhunt.

To prevent a secondary accident and ease the ensuing traffic gridlock, LASTMA officials cordoned off the affected section of the bridge and redirected vehicles through the Coastain Roundabout towards Stadium via Alaka.

Speaking on the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed sorrow over the needless loss of life. He emphasized the urgent need for responsible driving habits, especially among operators of articulated vehicles, and urged drivers to ensure both alertness and the roadworthiness of their vehicles before embarking on any journey.

Bakare-Oki also highlighted LASTMA’s ongoing public safety campaigns aimed at promoting responsible driving across the state, particularly among commercial and heavy-duty vehicle operators.

Emergency response teams at the scene included personnel from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LSNSC), the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU), and officers from the Iporin Division of the Nigeria Police Force.

Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing to track down the fleeing drivers and bring them to justice.