On Sunday, two fully loaded Mack trucks collided on Eko Bridge in Lagos, resulting in the deaths of two dispatch riders. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), through its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the incident.

Preliminary investigations suggest that one of the truck drivers was speeding and possibly dozing off, leading to a loss of control. The truck then crashed into another truck ahead, causing a 20-foot container to detach and crush the two dispatch riders, identified by their vehicle registration numbers T-10357 LA and KJA 107 XM. Both riders were confirmed dead at the scene.

LASTMA officers, who were monitoring traffic nearby, responded quickly, rescuing a severely injured truck driver who was then transported to a hospital via a Lagos State Government ambulance. However, the other two truck drivers fled the scene and are currently being sought by authorities. The crash site was promptly cordoned off, and traffic was redirected through Costain Roundabout to ensure safety and prevent further incidents.

LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and emphasized the importance of truck drivers maintaining full alertness and ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy before starting their journey. He also highlighted the agency’s ongoing public enlightenment campaigns aimed at promoting safety consciousness among drivers, especially those operating heavy-duty vehicles.

This incident is part of a recurring pattern of fatal truck-related accidents in Lagos. In April, a truck carrying two large containers plunged off the Pen Cinema flyover bridge in Agege, landing on multiple vehicles and causing severe damage and injuries. The cause was attributed to brake failure and speeding. Between January and July 2022, LASTMA reported over 100 crashes involving articulated trucks.

In March 2024, a Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) truck lost control on Shitta Bridge in Surulere, crashing onto a commercial bus, a Kia salon car, and a tricycle, resulting in the death of the tricycle rider. Similarly, a 40-foot truck crashed along Cele Expressway inward Oshodi, killing one person and injuring five others.

LASTMA has urged Lagos residents to report emergencies promptly using its toll-free hotline: 0800 00 527 862. Mr. Bakare-Oki has repeatedly warned truck drivers to be especially cautious during the rainy season and to comply with traffic safety regulations, including the use of speed-limiting devices.

Road accidents involving articulated vehicles in Lagos are often caused by poor maintenance, driver fatigue, overloading, and reckless driving. Investigations are currently underway to trace and apprehend the fleeing drivers involved in Sunday’s fatal crash.